The EU depends on imported fossil fuels (gas, oil and coal) for about 56 % of its energy needs (gross energy consumption), which in 2021 represented an energy bill of around EUR 300 billion. The domestic production of renewable energy sources has increased significantly in recent years to 22 % of total demand. The European Union can aspire to achieve energy independence through the deployment of existing and emerging technologies, thus reducing reliance on conventional fossil fuels. What are the developments and societal implications associated with these technologies?

EPRS Science and Technology Podcast - What if the EU were energy independent?

Each Member State independently decides on its own energy mix and use of nuclear energy. However, there are common rules and standards on nuclear energy, the basis for which is the Treaty on the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom Treaty) signed in 1957. All current EU Member States are party to it and it has remained largely unchanged throughout the years.

EPRS policy podcast - Nuclear energy in the European Union

To reach the Paris Agreement objective of keeping the global temperature increase well below 2°C, the EU must consider every possible technology to decarbonise its energy production. Nuclear fusion is the process that powers our sun and we can recreate it on Earth. However, even if we overcome the considerable engineering challenges of designing a fusion power plant, there are hard constraints to upscaling fusion power.

EPRS Science and Technology podcast - What if we could make nuclear fusion work?

In March 2023, the European Commission put forward a proposal for a 'net-zero industry act' that aims to expand the manufacturing capacity of net-zero technologies in the EU and enhance the resilience of its energy system. The proposed regulation would set up enabling conditions for the manufacturing of 10 net-zero technologies. The proposed regulation would aim to ensure that, by 2030, the manufacturing capacity in the EU for these strategic net-zero technologies reaches an overall benchmark of at least 40 % of the EU's annual deployment needs.

EPRS policy podcast - Net-zero industry act

Today, renewable hydrogen makes up a small fraction of total hydrogen production. Most hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels and, although cheaper, it causes carbon emissions. Demand for renewable hydrogen is expected to grow quickly as the need for climate-friendly solutions increases. To avoid a situation where renewable electricity used for hydrogen production is diverted away from other uses, it is important to ensure additional renewable electricity capacity for renewable hydrogen production, or ‘aditionality.’

EPRS policy podcast - EU rules for renewable hydrogen

L’énergie solaire semble présenter de nombreux avantages. Il s’agit d’une énergie bon marché et propre. C’est aussi la source d’énergie qui a connu la croissance la plus rapide au cours de la dernière décennie. Elle peut servir à la production d’électricité et de chaleur. Elle peut également aider à réduire la dépendance de l’Union européenne aux importations d’énergie. Néanmoins, il reste de nombreux obstacles à surmonter. Découvrons comment l’Union relèvera ces défis et comment l’énergie solaire pourrait l’aider à devenir neutre pour le climat.

L’énergie solaire dans l’Union européenne - Français

The EU solar energy strategy proposed under the REPowerEU plan aims to make solar energy a cornerstone of the EU energy system. Boosting renewable energy is also an important part of the European Green Deal in the context of the green transition towards climate neutrality. Solar energy is affordable, clean and has been the fastest-growing energy source in the last decade. It can be used for electricity and heating, while also helping reduce EU dependency on energy imports by replacing them with domestic production. EU measures to boost solar energy include making the installation of solar panels on the rooftops of new buildings obligatory within a specific timeframe, streamlining permitting procedures for renewable energy projects, improving the skills base in the solar sector and boosting the EU's capacity to manufacture photovoltaic panels.

EPRS policy podcast - Solar energy in the EU

The FuelEU Maritime regulation seeks to steer the EU maritime sector towards decarbonisation. The proposal sets up a fuel standard for ships and introduces a requirement for the most polluting ship types to use onshore electricity when at berth. It puts the responsibility for compliance on the shipping company. The legislative outcome of this proposal will be closely linked to the simultaneously proposed rules on including the maritime sector in the EU emissions trading system, as well as those on alternative fuels infrastructure, energy taxation and renewable energy. Moreover, some of the proposed rules do not concern EU shipping only but have wider implications for international maritime shipping, which is regulated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

EPRS policy podcast - Sustainable maritime fuels - 'Fit for 55' package: the FuelEU Maritime proposal

L’Union européenne s’efforce de rendre les appareils électroménagers plus sûrs et plus économes en énergie. Elle travaille aussi à offrir le meilleur choix possible aux consommateurs. Écoutez comment:

Voici ce que l’Europe fait pour les consommateurs qui achètent des appareils électriques

Energie propre Clean energy is energy produced and consumed with a minimum of greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.

The transition to clean energy requires large investments in all areas of energy use: electricity generation, transport, heating and cooling, and also industrial activities. Reducing energy demand by means of energy efficiency measures also helps to lower the emissions associated with energy use.

Energie propre

Voting session

MEPs debate and take a final vote on the reform of the EU electricity market to protect consumers from sudden price shocks and on new rules to facilitate the uptake of renewable and low-carbon gases, including hydrogen, on the EU’s gas market.

Plenary debate - Reform of the energy and electricity markets

EP Mini-Plenary Session - Joint debate - Reform of the energy and electricity markets

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - State of the EU solar industry in the light of unfair competition

EP Plenary session - Geothermal energy

EP Plenary session - Joint debate - Gas emissions

EP Plenary session - Small modular reactors

Press conference on the gas and hydrogen markets directive

EP Plenary session - Commission statements - State of the Energy Union

Press conference on the revision of the renewable energy directive

EP Plenary session - Renewable energy directive

Press conference on the reform of the electricity market design

EP Plenary session - Renewable Energy, Energy Performance of Buildings and Energy Efficiency Directives: amendments (REPowerEU)

EP Plenary session - Outcome of the modernisation of the Energy Charter Treaty

Press conference on a European Energy Assistance Plan

Aerial View of the European Parliament in Luxembourg.

Fuel Station, renewable E85 fuel , Fit for 55..

Cigeo nuclear waste project - Mobilising European legal tools : Aarhus, Espoo, environmental assessment.

Press conference on the revision of the Renewable Energy Directive

EP plenary session - Gas storage

The "Energy Cells" is a project that consists of a system of four energy storage devices (batteries) with a total capacity of 200 megawatts (MW) and 200 megawatt-hours (MWh) into Lithuania’s energy system. Energy Cells has four 50 MW and 50 MWh energy storage facilities at transformer substations in Vilnius, Šiauliai, Alytus, and Utena. It is currently the largest project in the Baltics and one of the largest of its kind in Europe. Energy Cells received 87.6 million euros from the NextGenerationEU, the Recovery and Resilience Facility under the “New Generation Lithuania” plan for the installation of the energy storage system. The total value of the project, which will provide Lithuania with the instantaneous power reserve and the possibility to operate autonomously in isolated mode, is of 109 million euros.

Infoclip: Integrated system for batteries "Energy Cells" - Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) - Vilnius (Lithuania)

La demande en hausse et le climat géopolitique compliquent l'accès aux ressources essentielles pour la technologie et l’industrie.     Le Parlement européen a approuvé un texte de loi facilitant l’accès aux matières premières essentielles pour les smartphones, les véhicules électriques et les panneaux solaires.        La législation sur les matières premières critiques renforce l'autonomie de l'UE, crée des emplois et stimule la transition écologique et numérique.           En savoir plus avec la vidéo explicative.     

Accéder aux matières premières clés pour la transition numérique et écologique de l’UE  

This news item shows extracts from the signature of six COD LEX texts by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and José Manuel ALBARES BUENO, Minister for Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Spanish Presidency of the Council. The six COD LEX texts are about consumer credits, ensuring a level playing field for sustainable air transport , on the promotion of energy from renewable sources, on geographical indication protection for craft and industrial products, on establishing the European defence industry Reinforcement through common Procurement Act and on the labelling of organic pet food.

LEX signing ceremony: signature of six COD LEX texts by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and José Manuel ALBARES BUENO, Minister for Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Spanish Presidency of the Council

The Parliament debate on a new legislation to increase the use of renewable energy in line with the EU’s Green Deal and REPowerEU initiatives. The directive, already informally agreed with the Council, is intended to raise the share of renewables in the EU’s final energy consumption to 42.5% by 2030. Member states are urged to aim for 45%. The new law will also speed up the approval process for new renewable energy power plants, such as solar and wind farms, as well as the adaptation of existing ones. Opening statement by Markus PIEPER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, by Nils TORVALDS (Renew Europe, FI), Rapporteurs, Kadri SIMSON, European Commissioner for Energy, Barbara THALER (EPP, AT) and Carmen AVRAM (S&D, RO), Rapporteurs for ENVI, TRAN and AGRI Committees. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Renewable energy directive: Opening statement by Markus PIEPER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, by Nils TORVALDS (Renew Europe, FI), Rapporteur, Kadri SIMSON, European Commissioner for Energy, Barbara THALER (EPP, AT) and Carmen AVRAM, Rapporteur

Parliament adopt new legislation to increase the use of renewable energy in line with the EU’s Green Deal and REPowerEU initiatives. The directive, already informally agreed with the Council, is intended to raise the share of renewables in the EU’s final energy consumption to 42.5% by 2030. Member States are urged to aim for 45%. The new law will also speed up the approval process for new renewable energy power plants, such as solar and wind farms, as well as the adaptation of existing ones. Extracts from the debate (11/09); extracts from the vote (14/09); and statement by Markus PIEPER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur

Renewable energy directive: extracts from the debate (11/09); extracts from the vote (14/09); and statement by Markus PIEPER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur

Environnement et changement climatique, crise du coût de la vie, migration, guerre de la Russie contre l'Ukraine, élargissement de l'UE... Les membres du Parlement européen ont interrogé la présidente de la Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, lors du dernier débat sur l'état de l'Union européenne avant les élections européennes de 2024. La Commission von der Leyen en a-t-elle fait assez l'année dernière ? Et quelles seront les retombées pour les citoyens de l'UE dans les mois à venir ? Regardez cette vidéo pour en savoir plus sur la manière dont le Parlement a examiné le bilan et le programme de la Commission avant le vote de l'année prochaine.

État de l'Union européenne : Les députés pressent la présidente de la Commission à l'approche des élections

The Parliament debate on a new legislation to increase the use of renewable energy in line with the EU’s Green Deal and REPowerEU initiatives. The directive, already informally agreed with the Council, is intended to raise the share of renewables in the EU’s final energy consumption to 42.5% by 2030. Member states are urged to aim for 45%. The new law will also speed up the approval process for new renewable energy power plants, such as solar and wind farms, as well as the adaptation of existing ones. Closing statement by Kadri SIMSON, European Commissioner for Energy and Markus PIEPER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur.

Renewable energy directive: closing statement by Kadri SIMSON, European Commissioner for Energy and Markus PIEPER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur

The Parliament debate on a new legislation to increase the use of renewable energy in line with the EU’s Green Deal and REPowerEU initiatives. The directive, already informally agreed with the Council, is intended to raise the share of renewables in the EU’s final energy consumption to 42.5% by 2030. Member states are urged to aim for 45%. The new law will also speed up the approval process for new renewable energy power plants, such as solar and wind farms, as well as the adaptation of existing ones.

Renewable energy directive: MEPs debate

Climate change and environmental degradation are an existential threat to Europe and the world. Therefore in December 2019 the Commission presented a communication on a European Green Deal that sets out a detailed vision to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, safeguard biodiversity, establish a circular economy and eliminate pollution, while boosting the competitiveness of European industry and ensuring a just transition for the regions and workers affected. This infoclip shows factories and emission of polluting gases, consequences of drought, fires and floods, wind farms and natural ecosystems.

Infoclip: Fight against climate change and Green deal

Europe's economic situation has been hit by the energy crisis resulting from Russia's aggression in Ukraine. Member States are coping with the new situation by promoting trade through the single market that exists within their territory. Boosting digitalisation brings many benefits to society as well. The EU wants to strengthen its digital sovereignty and set standards, rather than follow standards set by others, to make Europe fit for the digital age. This infoclip shows factories, industries and shops, workers in their trades and citizens using electronic devices.

Infoclip: Economy, energy and digital

Le Parlement européen a adopté de nouvelles règles pour faciliter la recharge des véhicules verts. L’UE souhaite contribuer à la création d’un réseau de points de recharge et de ravitaillement en hydrogène aussi pratiques et accessibles que les stations-services. Les aéroports et les grands ports devront également approvisionner en électricité les avions et navires. Ces règles font partie des mesures Fit for 55 visant à réduire les émissions de gaz à effet de serre et à bâtir une UE neutre en carbone.

Développer l’infrastructure des carburants alternatifs de l’UE

Phones, computers, electric cars… they all use batteries. And demand is increasing rapidly.    
 
The European Parliament has approved new rules to reduce the impact on the environment, ensuring minimum standards for recycling batteries and their component materials.

Circular economy: getting more life from batteries

Comment le mécanisme d’ajustement carbone aux frontières lutte-t-il contre les fuites de carbone ? Les entreprises de l’UE sont soumises à des limites d’émissions de CO2 strictes. Pour s’y soustraire, elles délocalisent leur production hors de l'UE, là où la réglementation est moins contraignante. Le Parlement européen a approuvé de nouvelles règles encourageant les comportements responsables et décourageant l’importation de produits bon marché à forte intensité de carbone fabriqués hors UE. En savoir plus dans nos Q&R.

Le mécanisme d’ajustement carbone aux frontières

Le principe pollueur-payeur est au cœur du système d'échange de quotas d'émission (SEQE) de l'Union européenne. Le Parlement européen a adopté en avril 2023 des lois ambitieuses pour réviser le SEQE et réduire les émissions de gaz à effet de serre. Le nouveau système vise à ce que davantage d'industries assument la charge de leurs émissions et à promouvoir les technologies vertes. Cette révision s'inscrit dans le cadre de la législation « Ajustement à l'objectif 55 » de l'UE. Pour en savoir plus, consultez nos Q&R animées.

Le nouveau système d'échange de quotas d'émission

L’UE a fixé un objectif : des véhicules avec zéro émission en 2050 Le Parlement européen a pris une décision : la fin des véhicules à carburant fossile qui seront remplacés par des modèles plus propres. Tout savoir dans notre courte animation Q&R

Des voitures plus propres : nouvelles réglementations de l’UE

MEPs debate with the Commission the energy situation in the EU and preparations to refill gas reserves ahead of next winter. Closing statement by Kadri SIMSON, European Commissioner for Energy.

Energy storage: closing statement by Kadri SIMSON, European Commissioner for Energy

MEPs debate with the Commission the energy situation in the EU and preparations to refill gas reserves ahead of next winter. First part of MEPs debate.

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EP Mini-Plenary Session - Joint debate - Reform of the energy and electricity markets

EP Mini-Plenary Session - Joint debate - Reform of the energy and electricity markets

EP Mini-Plenary Session - Joint debate - Reform of the energy and electricity markets

EP Mini-Plenary Session - Joint debate - Reform of the energy and electricity markets

EP Mini-Plenary Session - Joint debate - Reform of the energy and electricity markets

EP Mini-Plenary Session - Joint debate - Reform of the energy and electricity markets

EP Mini-Plenary Session - Joint debate - Reform of the energy and electricity markets

EP Mini-Plenary Session - Joint debate - Reform of the energy and electricity markets

EP Mini-Plenary Session - Joint debate - Reform of the energy and electricity markets

EP Mini-Plenary Session - Joint debate - Reform of the energy and electricity markets

EP Mini-Plenary Session - Joint debate - Reform of the energy and electricity markets

EP Mini-Plenary Session - Joint debate - Reform of the energy and electricity markets

EP Mini-Plenary Session - Joint debate - Reform of the energy and electricity markets

EP Mini-Plenary Session - Joint debate - Reform of the energy and electricity markets

EP Mini-Plenary Session - Joint debate - Reform of the energy and electricity markets

EP Mini-Plenary Session - Joint debate - Reform of the energy and electricity markets

EP Mini-Plenary Session - Joint debate - Reform of the energy and electricity markets

EP Mini-Plenary Session - Joint debate - Reform of the energy and electricity markets

2 330 résultats