Section outline

  • The amending Directive EU/2023/2413 entered into force on 20 November 2023, whith an 18-month period to transpose most of the directive's provisions into national law, with a shorter deadline of July 2024 for some provisions related to permitting for renewables.

    • Raised the EU-wide renewable target to 42.5% by 2030, with an additional 2.5% indicative top-up.
    • Introduced faster permitting procedures: Renewable energy projects in “go-to” areas must be approved within 12 months.
    • Mandated sector-specific targets such as:
      • 49% RES share in buildings.
      • 29% RES share in industry.
      • A 5.5% share of advanced biofuels and RFNBOs in transport.
    • Promoted cross-border cooperation and joint renewable projects among Member States.

    The main differences between RED II and RED III focus on setting significantly more ambitious and binding targets compared to RED II. With regard to permitting, RED III introduces simplified processes to address the obstacles identified during the implementation of RED II. This development marks a stronger commitment by the European Union to align energy systems with the objectives of climate neutrality by 2050. The main differences can be summarized in the table below.

     

    RED II (2018)

    RED III (2023)

    Global Objective

    32% of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption by 2030.

    42,5% (mandatory) with na aspirational goal of 45%

    Sectoral Goals

    Incentivized, but not binding for specific sectors

    Binding targets for the transport, industry and heating/cooling sectors.

    Transports

    14% renewable energy in transport by 2030.

    29% reduction in the intensity of GHG emissions or 14.5% of renewables in transport.

    Bioenergy

    Sustainability rules introduced for bioenergy

    Sustainability criteria strengthened with stricter measures.

    Licensing

    General framework for approval of renewable projects.

    Simplified and faster licensing processes.