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Energy

Previous energy strategies

Energy strategies adopted 2010-2014, laying the ground for current EU energy law and initiatives.

Energy security strategy (2014)

The European Commission released its Energy Security Strategy (COM/2014/330) in May 2014, and the European Council reached conclusions on the subject in June 2014 and October 2104. The strategy served as a building block for the energy union strategy.

The 2030 energy strategy (2014)

In October 2014 the European Council agreed on a new 2030 Framework for climate and energy, including EU-wide targets and policy objectives for the period between 2020 and 2030. This was based on an initial Commission communication on a policy framework for climate and energy from 2020 to 2030 (COM/2014/015) published in January 2014.

The 2050 energy roadmap (2011)

The EU has set itself a long-term goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80-95%, when compared to 1990 levels, by 2050. The Energy Roadmap 2050 (COM/2011/0885) explores the transition of the energy system in ways that would be compatible with this greenhouse gas reductions target while also increasing competitiveness and security of supply.

To achieve these goals, significant investments need to be made in new low-carbon technologies, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and grid infrastructure. Because investments are made for a period of 20 to 60 years, policies that promote a stable business climate which encourages low-carbon investments must start being made today.

The roadmap set out four main routes to a more sustainable, competitive and secure energy system in 2050: energy efficiency, renewable energy, nuclear energy, and carbon capture and storage. It combined these routes in different ways to create and analyse seven possible scenarios for 2050.

The roadmap was noted by the Council in its conclusions of 17 May 2011, and endorsed by the European Parliament in its resolution of 15 March 2012

The 2020 energy strategy (2010)

By 2020, the EU aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20%, increase the share of renewable energy to at least 20% of consumption, and achieve energy savings of 20% or more. All EU countries must also achieve a 10% share of renewable energy in their transport sector.

The Energy 2020 strategy for competitive, sustainable and secure energy (COM/2010/0639) sets targets to help the EU combat climate change and air pollution. The strategy also helps the EU to decrease its dependence on foreign fossil fuels while keeping energy affordable for consumers and businesses.