EU aims for 42.5% renewable energy share by 2030

Alina Oprea
The ambassadors of the EU member states reached an agreement on the expansion of renewable energy until 2030. France obtained assurances that nuclear energy will have a more important role in the energy transition and thus gave up its last opposition moment. In March, EU negotiators reached an agreement with the European Parliament regarding the expansion of renewable energy until 2030, offering a small role for nuclear energy as well. But France, which relies on nuclear power for most of its electricity production, has pressed the EU executive to ensure a greater role for nuclear power in the energy transition.

The ambassadors of all 27 member states expressed now their support for the agreement agreed with the European Parliament, for a directive aimed at increasing, up to at least 42.5%, the share of energy from renewable sources in the EU's energy mix, until the end of the decade, replacing the current target of 32%.

France obtained a small amendment to the agreement agreed with the European Parliament, by recognizing the challenges that the ammonia sector will face in the transition from natural gas to more environmentally friendly fuels. The European Commission also issued a statement in which it emphasizes the importance of nuclear energy in meeting the climate objectives of the EU bloc, a recognition insisted on by France.

The European Commission recognizes that other sources of energy without fossil fuels, in addition to renewable energies, contribute to reaching climate neutrality by 2050, according to Bloomberg.

The agreement means the EU has successfully cleared the last hurdle to a green plan that is intended to put the EU bloc on a path to climate neutrality by 2050. France has called for the reopening of the deal agreed with the European Parliament to recognize the importance of nuclear energy in the production of hydrogen and ammonia.

France's insistence on reopening a negotiated agreement has drawn displeasure from other member states who argue that such an initiative would be a very dangerous exercise.

MEPs have not yet officially approved the initial agreement reached by the member states in March.

Now, the agreement reached by the ambassadors of the member states will enter the legal process before the formal adoption by the ministers of the member countries.

Sweden, which holds the EU's rotating presidency, hopes to do so by the end of this month when its mandate ends. After the Parliament and the member states support the agreement, it will become law.

RECOMMENDED
RECOMMENDED FROM THE HOME PAGE
Microsoft hits 100% renewable energy target five years early
Energy

Microsoft hits 100% renewable energy target five years early

Microsoft has achieved its goal of matching 100% of its annual global electricity consumption with renewable energy, reaching the milestone five years ahead of its 2025 target. The achievement supports the company's commitment to become carbon negative by 2030.

Real estate

How is EU real estate navigating the CSRD changes? Take our survey

The recent weakening of the CSRD may have some real estate developers cheering the compliance rollbacks, but the consequences could be complicated. A new research survey examines how EU real estate firms are navigating changes to the CSRD, and what that could mean for upcoming SFDR revisions.

Energy

Waldevar Energy builds utility-scale PV parks in Romania

Waldevar Energy has begun construction on two utility-scale photovoltaic parks for Doral Energy in Tudor Vladimirescu (Brăila County) and Ștefan Vodă (Călărași County), Romania. The projects will deliver 14 MWp of installed capacity using around 25,000 photovoltaic panels.

Industry

Lidl Romania exceeds 2030 sustainability targets early

Lidl Romania has published its eighth sustainability report for the 2024 financial year, announcing accelerated progress in reducing environmental impact. The retailer has achieved its international 2030 target for transitioning to natural refrigerants, with these now used in 100% of logistics centres and 81.7% of stores, compared to the original goal of 100% of logistics centres and 40% of stores. The company has also increased its green energy usage to 80% of total consumption.

READ MORE
Green Forum  |  19 February, 2026 at 10:24 AM
Green Forum  |  5 February, 2026 at 11:47 PM