Revised Guidelines on Renewable Energy - RED III

Based on the directive (EU) 2023/2413, which was revised on November 20, 2023, the framework of renewable energy within the European Union was revised, while this updated regulation, designated as RED III, amended the original directive (EU) 2018/2001. Member States had to start implementing the changes from 1 July, with further milestones set for 31 May 2025 and 21 February 2026.

The original RED I guidelines:

RED I, received on 23 April 2009 (Directive 2009/28/EC), aimed to create a basic framework to support the development of renewable energy sources in the EU. It introduced binding national targets for the share of renewable energy in the overall management of energy consumption, including transport, and laid the foundations for cross-border cooperation in the areas of renewable energy projects, guarantees of origin and sustainability of biofuels.

Continuing with RED II:

On 11 December 2018, a revised version, labeled RED II, was adopted, streamlining the RED I directive with targets set for 2030. These ambitions advocated renewable energy reaching at least 32 % in gross final energy consumption within the EU.

Implementation within Fit for 55 and the European Green Deal:

"Fit for 55" is a package of measures introduced on July 14, 2021, as part of the European Green Deal, with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 % by 2030. This package also proposed increasing the target of the share of renewable energy from the original 32 % (RED II principle) to 40 % . Achieving this goal required not only an increase in the share of renewable resources, but also energy efficiency.

REPowerEU:

In response to the energy crisis triggered by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Commission presented on 18 May 2022 a plan REPowerEU. The plan is aimed at reducing dependence on Russian fossil fuels and accelerating the adoption of clean technologies that support energy independence and the resilience of the internal European energy network.

Updates with RED III:

She arrived in October 2023 directive (EU) 2023/2413, a series of revisions that strengthen the roles of the previous RED I and II directives, aiming to integrate renewables to 42.5 % by 2030, which is more than the original 40 % set "Fit for 55".

Goals in Transport:

RED III makes it mandatory to reach at least 29 % share of renewable energy in transport with an emphasis on RFNBOs such as green hydrogen and ammonia, also with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 14.5 %. These intentions are supported by the use of multipliers to accelerate their deployment, although they are also subject to criticism for potentially distorting real progress.

Industrial Use and Buildings:

The industry must reach 42 % of renewable energy used in the hydrogen industry. RED III stipulates that by 2030 buildings must report renewable sources at the level of 49 %, which is supported by a system of annual increases.

Mapping Obligation:

One of the key regulations of RED III is the mandatory mapping of areas for deployment of renewable energy projects, in accordance with ecological and environmental strategic directives, with an emphasis on the protection of sensitive areas such as Natura 2000 sites.

These modifications emphasize the great efforts of the European Union to ensure not only energy security, but also the transition to a more sustainable and ecological energy system within the entire Union. (CO2AI)