EU renewable energy law clears first vote after French nuclear assurances

A European Parliament committee on Wednesday backed new EU renewable energy targets, but criticised last-minute changes offering France and other countries possible carve-outs for ammonia plants and greater recognition of nuclear energy.

The law significantly raises the European Union’s renewable energy targets, requiring 42.5% of EU energy to be renewable by 2030, replacing a current 32% target for that date.

EU countries and lawmakers agreed a deal on the renewable energy law in March, but this was held up for weeks by France and other countries seeking greater recognition of nuclear power – which is low-carbon, but not renewable.

The stalemate ended this month when the European Commission offered France written assurances that it would consider exempting certain ammonia plants from renewable fuel targets – allowing them to run on nuclear-based fuels instead.

France also won a short preamble to the law, which acknowledges the potential challenges of refitting ammonia plants to run on renewable fuels.

The EU committee backed the tweaked law with a large majority, but criticised the late changes.

“This should not set a precedent. Otherwise the entire ordinary legislative process and the trilogues will lose their meaning,” committee chair Cristian-Silviu Busoi said, referring to the EU process for passing new laws.

Learn more: Reuters