Our views and positions

We support a 2040 climate target of around 90% net emissions reduction and clear separate targets for emissions reductions and carbon removal. In our view, this is pivotal for both providing investment clarity and addressing the EU’s triple challenge of decarbonisation, competitiveness and security of supply.

Technology neutrality, cost efficiency and market-driven instruments should continue to be the key principles and tools in the EU climate policy. Carbon pricing should be developed for those sectors that are currently not included in the EU ETS – for example, agriculture and waste, and ultimately to all sectors.

We call for a focus on decarbonisation and low-carbon policies over separate energy efficiency or renewable energy targets for the 2040 climate goal.

The EU Industrial and Competitiveness Deal should complement the EU Green Deal. To achieve the decarbonisation of industries, the competitiveness of the energy industry and the conditions for investments must be ensured to deliver the clean energy investments that Europe needs.  

We call for more proactive and consistent electricity system planning, financial incentives and faster permitting processes.

The energy sector has a common interest with energy-intensive industry. We want to help our customers maintain and grow their operations in Europe and at the same time reduce their emissions.

To achieve the decarbonisation of industries, the competitiveness of the energy industry and the conditions for investments must be ensured to deliver the clean energy investments that Europe needs.

We welcome the pragmatic EU legislation on the electricity market reform (adopted in Dec 2023) that will enable the investments needed for a clean transition while providing more predictable prices for electricity consumers. We are pleased that the outcome provides a wide range of technology-neutral support mechanisms and tools (such as capacity mechanism, state-backed PPAs, CfDs etc.) to address investment risks while leaving Member States with flexibility in their use. In the upcoming years, the focus should be on ensuring a swift implementation of the EMD, avoiding a re-opening of the market design.

We believe that a balanced combination of all clean energy sources delivers the best results for the electricity system and customers. An optimal power system has a balanced division of variable, firm and flexible capacity. 

We call for a long-term development plan for the electricity market to make it stable and predictable and to encourage new investments. 

We call for replacing the subsidy competition between EU countries with an EU-level public funding instrument that is based on competition and excellence (such as Innovation Fund, Hydrogen Bank, CEF etc.). 

The level playing field for all net-zero technologies in the next EU multi-annual financing framework is crucial.

We support the EU's biodiversity strategy and emphasise the importance of aligning it with climate change mitigation and renewable energy goals.

It is important to safeguard the existing hydropower volumes, renewable energy, and security of supply.

Focus should be placed on cost-effective restoration measures. 

We want to make nuclear visible in the EU energy strategy and promote new nuclear capacity, both large reactors and SMRs, as well as LTO.

In our view, developing the European nuclear supply chain and giving access to EU funding are essential.

Ensuring a level-playing field with other net-zero technologies is key. 

We call for a better recognition of hydropower in EU legislation. The potential of existing and new hydropower as clean, reliable and flexile balancing power in the electricity system should be endorsed. Hydropower’s contribution to climate change adaptation measures should also be further acknowledged.

Equal treatment (support and funding) of hydropower should be ensured, balancing the energy, biodiversity and environmental aspects.

Speedy implementation of the revised RES targets should be ensured. The European Commission should continue its efforts in providing guidance and support for Member States in implementing e.g. the Renewable Energy Directive.

We call for strengthening the resilience of the European wind and solar sector (achieved by speedy implementation of the Fit for 55 package), facilitation of permitting procedures and boosting grid investments.

We welcome all initiatives to boost the European hydrogen market – going forward, efforts to boost the demand side creation are especially welcomed. Swift adoption of the pending low-carbon hydrogen definition is needed from the EU level as well as efficient and ambitious national implementation of the RFNBO targets deriving from already-agreed legislation. 

The role of electrolytic low-carbon hydrogen in complementing renewable hydrogen production should be recognised and supported, as both are needed in achieving EU climate targets and industrial decarbonisation.

We call for continuation of the European Hydrogen Bank auctions supporting hydrogen production within the European Economic Area and for the expansion of the budget. When feasible, the European Hydrogen Bank should establish a new, separate category for low-carbon hydrogen projects.