In this regard, the European Union established years ago the well-known 20/20/20 Commitment, which subsequently was revised to give way to a new European strategy on energy sustainability for 2030 and 2050.
European energy targets
| 2020 Targets |
20% reduction of GHG emissions compared to 1990 levels |
20% share of renewable energy in the EU |
20% improvement in energy efficiency |
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| 2030 Targets |
40% reduction of GHG emissions compared to 1990 levels |
32% share of renewable energy in the EU |
32,5% improvement in energy efficiency |
15% electricity interconnection capacity among EU members |
| 2050 Targets |
85-90% reduction of GHG emissions compared to 1990 levels |
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To achieve these targets, it is imperative to move forward and bring about a change in the current energy model. Therefore, the European Commission presented in November 2016 the 'Clean Energy for All Europeans' package, which includes proposals and measures aimed at accelerating the transition to clean energy in line with the fulfilment of the targets set out in the 2015 Paris Agreement regarding the fight against climate change, while maintaining a reliable and competitive energy system that allows the delivery of energy to the consumer at affordable prices, contributing to the growth and creation of employment.
Advancing towards this new energy model involves the promotion of three key elements: the electrification of the economy, the maximum integration of renewable energy in the energy mix and efficiency, ensuring the security of supply at all times.
Future challenges
Challenges
Compensate for the reduced manageability of renewable generation.
Achieve greater demand-side flexibility.
Flatten the demand curve (reduced peak/valley ratio).
Increase energy efficiency.
Integrate distributed generation.
Efficient management
of the system
Tools
Future technologies for energy storage.
Increased flexible generation.
Development of smart changes.
Flexible consumers and smart grids.
Development of interconnections and the supergrid.
Technological innovation.