EU energy ministers to decide on proposals to tighten energy efficiency and renewable energy targets

The EU energy ministers will meet at a Council meeting in Luxembourg on 27 June 2022. They aim to reach a general approach on the tightening of the Energy Efficiency Directive and the Renewable Energy Directive as part of the Fit for 55 package. Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä will represent Finland at the meeting.

France, which currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU, will also present progress reports on the proposal for a regulation restricting methane emissions and on the update of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. The energy ministers will also exchange views on the effects that the war of aggression started by Russia has on the EU’s energy situation and any additional measures needed.

Targets on total energy consumption and end use must not endanger climate objectives 

Finland has been improving its energy efficiency for a long time and will continue this work. The proposal to amend the Energy Efficiency Directive significantly tightens the current energy efficiency requirements, which are already challenging. During the negotiations, Finland has emphasised that the proposed measures and targets must be cost-effective and appropriate at the national level.

In addition to energy efficiency targets, the proposal also sets targets limiting the level of energy consumption at the EU and Member State level. Finland supports the EU-level energy consumption reduction target included in the proposed Directive insofar as it helps the Union to achieve the climate targets of the Fit for 55 package. 

However, national targets restricting the total consumption and end use of energy must not jeopardise Finland’s objective of becoming carbon neutral by 2035.  Restrictions to energy use should not be an obstacle to a swift transition to a carbon neutral economy, which is based on electrification of industry and the use of clean hydrogen and electrofuels, among other things.

Proposed Renewable Energy Directive is an improvement from the previous proposal

Finland can support the Commission’s proposal to amend the Renewable Energy Directive. Regulation concerning bioenergy and renewable transport fuels in this Directive is particularly important for Finland. The Member States should continue to have sufficient room for manoeuvre to develop permit procedures so that national regulation and special characteristics of regions can be considered.

The aim of the proposal is to update the Renewable Energy Directive so that it is in line with the new emission reduction target of 55 per cent. Renewable energy plays a significant role in achieving the emission targets, and the measures laid down in the current Directive do not lead to this objective.

The tightening of the renewable energy target would increase demand for renewable energy solutions. This could significantly promote the demand for and export of products and services of Finnish companies focusing on clean technologies. 

Inquiries:
Riku Huttunen, Director General, Minister of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 50 431 6518 
Nina Alatalo, Adviser to the Minister of Economic Affairs (EU affairs), tel. +358 50 431 8015
Pia Kotro, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 50 526 6310 (energy efficiency, EED)
Outi Vilén, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 50 475 7725 (renewable energy, RED)
Maarit Haakana, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of the Environment, tel. +358 50 594 0167 (energy performance of buildings)
Elina Johansson, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 50 301 4607 
Ville Niemi, Senior Specialist, Permanent Representation of Finland to the EU, Brussels, tel. +32 479 470 175