This means a major boost is needed to reach the 29% target set for 2030 by the EU Directive 2023/2413 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources, Eurostat notes. This directive also gives countries the opportunity to reach another target: a reduction in greenhouse gas intensity in transport of at least 14.5% by 2030.

Sweden leads the way in share of renewables in transport

Sweden (29.2%) is by far the EU country with the highest share of renewables in transport and has already reached the 2030 target. Finland (18.8%) also has a very high share, although it would need to increase by about 10 pp if it were to meet the 2030 target for the share of renewable energy. The two Nordic countries are followed by the Netherlands, Malta, Belgium, Denmark, Austria, Italy, Germany and Spain, all with a share of around 10%. Romania is below the EU average.

On the other hand, the lowest shares were recorded in Croatia (2.4%), Latvia (3.1%) and Greece (4.1%).

The highest increases from 2021 to 2022 were recorded in Germany (+1.9 pp), the Netherlands (+1.8 pp) and Hungary (+1.6 pp), but even if maintained until 2030, these rates are insufficient to reach the target. On the other hand, the largest decreases were recorded in Croatia (-4.6 pp), Latvia (-3.3 pp) and Slovenia (-2.8 pp).

Renewable energy sources consumed in transport include liquid biofuels (biodiesel meeting certain sustainability and greenhouse gas emission reduction criteria), biomethane (gas from renewable sources) and the share of renewable electricity consumed in road and rail transport.