The Renewables Grid Initiative (RGI), a coalition of NGOs and electricity grid operators (TSOs) formed to meet the common challenge of integrating renewable energy sources into the grid, has issued a statement supporting an EU 2030 climate and energy policy framework with clear, ambitious objectives for the development of renewables.

The statement, which was issued at the end of February, quoted RGI Executive Director Antonella Battaglini as saying that industry and civil society had come to a common understanding of what is urgently needed. “The build-up of grid infrastructure is intrinsically connected with the uptake of renewable energy. Robust 2030 targets will bring clarity for investors and confidence among local communities,” she said.

European governments are set to discuss the EU’s 2030 climate end energy policy framework in March. Ahead of this, RGI is calling on the European Council to agree an ambitious and coherent set of binding targets for 2030 for greenhouse gas emission reductions, energy efficiency and renewable energy.

The statement said that the related needs for grid development and system security must be carefully considered when designing supporting mechanisms and policies. Given the size of the investment required for grid development, ambitious targets are seen as a prerequisite for creating a favourable investment climate.

Boris Schucht, CEO of German transmission system operator 50Hertz, said in the statement that grid development was a long-term exercise, and that clear political targets for 2030 would give investors the confidence to plan and build the grid infrastructure needed for the transition towards a sustainable energy economy.

For more information:

http://www.renewables-grid.eu/

http://renewables-grid.eu/documents/rgi-position-papers/2030-framework.html