Dialogue on a RES policy framework for 2030 (TOWARDS2030-DIALOGUE)

The EC’s recent Green Paper (COM(2013) 169 final) sets forth potential elements of a new energy policy framework by 2030 and opens up the related policy debate. Thus, it is the aim of this proposed action to facilitate and guide the RES policy dialogue for the period towards 2030. This strategic initiative aims for an intense stakeholder dialogue that establishes a European vision of a joint future RES policy framework. The dialogue includes a stakeholder consultation process through various channels – from direct engagement in (virtual and physical) discussion platforms on to tailored information provision, concise policy briefs and detailed background reports as well as the elaboration on cross-cutting policy issues that emerge throughout the lively stakeholder exchange. The dialogue process will be coupled with in-depth and continuous analysis of relevant topics that include RES in all energy sectors but with more detailed analyses for renewable electricity. The work will be based on results from the IEE project beyond2020, where policy pathways with different degrees of harmonisation have been analysed for the post 2020 period. Towards2030-dialogue will directly build on these outcomes: complement, adapt and extend the assessment to the evolving policy process in Europe. The added value of Towards2030-dialogue includes the analysis of alternative policy pathways for 2030, such as the (partial) opening of national support schemes, the clustering of regional support schemes as well as options to coordinate and align national schemes. Additionally, this project offers also an impact assessment of different target setting options for 2030, discussing advanced concepts for related effort sharing. Trends in electricity market design and their implications on RES policy design, supplementary measures to better cope with an enhanced RES take-off, reflections of linkages between RES and climate policy and a closer consideration of global energy trends will complement this integrated analysis.