Spain risks being taken to court by the European Commission for failing to fully implement a directive designed to promote renewable energy after missing a crucial deadline to make it national law.
If Pedro Sanchez’s government does not address the delay, Brussels could escalate the matter to the European Union’s Court of Justice.
Spain is not alone, with Ireland, France, and Hungary also receiving similar warnings from the EU’s executive.
The directive, which the Commission required member-states to comply with by June 2021, seeks to establish a legal framework for renewable energy development across electricity, heating, cooling, and transport sectors in the EU.
It includes a binding 2030 EU-wide renewable energy target, specific rules for guarantees of origin – electronic certificates that inform consumers about the share of renewable energy in a supplier’s mix – and sustainability criteria for biofuels, bioliquids, and biomass fuels.
The case against Spain and the other sanctioned countries focuses on gaps in the transposition of these rules, particularly regarding the guarantees of origin and sustainability requirements.
The European Commission has identified issues with ensuring the transparency of renewable energy origins and with criteria for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from bio-based fuels.
A statement issued by the Commission yesterday in respect of the Spain, Ireland, France and Hungary said: “The reasoned opinions draw the attention on other transposition gaps regarding the provisions on guarantees of origin for energy from renewable sources, or on other transposition issues concerning the sustainability and greenhouse gas emissions saving criteria for biofuels, bioliquids and biomass fuels.”
The Commission also made it clear the clock was ticking, adding: “The four Member States now have two months to remedy the situation and notify the complete transposition of the Directive to the Commission.
“Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union.”
The European Union’s renewable energy policy is centred on accelerating the transition to clean energy across its member states to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
At its core is the Renewable Energy Directive, which sets legally binding targets, including an EU-wide goal of sourcing at least 42.5% of energy from renewables by 2030.
The policy encompasses electricity, heating, cooling, and transport sectors, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy security, and support sustainable development.
Key measures include guarantees of origin to certify renewable energy usage, criteria for the sustainability of biofuels, bioliquids, and biomass, and incentives for innovation in green technologies. This framework aligns with the European Green Deal and aims to position the EU as a global leader in combating climate change.
