Brussels
The European Commission is trying to speed up Europe’s energy revolution and end its dependence on Russian energy.
It unveiled a bunch of new energy performances today under its RePowerEU package.
One of them is the European Solar Panel Initiative. According to it, builders of new buildings would have a legally binding obligation to install solar panels on the roof of the house.
In addition, partnerships would be established at EU level to train the necessary skilled workforce for the production, installation and maintenance of panels.
The aim would be to create a European solar industry alliance to help member states increase their production of solar panels.
The obligation to install solar panels would apply to all new public and private buildings with an area of more than 250 square meters. This obligation would take effect by 2026.
“This is ambitious but realistic,” said the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen stated.
By 2027, the obligation would also apply to all existing buildings of more than 250 square meters.
By 2029, the obligation would apply to all new buildings, including those less than 250 square feet.
The Commission calculates that the plan will require an additional € 26 billion in investment in solar panels by 2027.
The Commission also wants to facilitate licensing practices. Permission to install solar panels should henceforth be obtained in less than three months.
“It can take up to four years to get a permit right now. We cannot afford it, ”said the EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson stated.
The Commission’s initiative will then be referred to the Council of the Member States and the European Parliament. The process can take a couple of years.
Familiar elements
Some of the Commission’s initiatives are already familiar. The Commission has already proposed a ban on imports of coal and oil in its sanctions against Russia.
However, the ban on oil imports is still stuck in the Committee of EU Ambassadors, where Hungary is blocking its adoption.
According to Energy Commissioner Simson, EU action to replace Russian gas is well under way.
The Commission is also proposing a mechanism for joint purchases of gas, LNG and hydrogen. The intention is that member states would not compete with each other for purchases.
The Commission intends to tighten the energy efficiency requirements of the Fit for 55 package. They are currently being negotiated in the Council of Member States and the European Parliament.
“The cheapest energy is the energy we do not use,” said the Vice-President of the Commission Frans Timmermans stated at a news conference.
The Commission also intends to diversify the EU’s imported energy sources and encourage energy savings.
The Commission intends to fund RePowerEU with around € 300 billion. Of this, around € 72 billion would be grants and € 225 billion loans.