REPowerEU: Europe’s plan for secure, clean and affordable energy
Published on 26 May 2022 by Catarina Costa
- Energy Transition
- Incentives & Policy
- Energy Efficiency
REPowerEU is the European Union’s joint action plan to accelerate the energy transition, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and ensure energy that is more secure, sustainable and affordable for Europeans.
It was created in a geopolitical context marked by the war between Russia and Ukraine, which exposed the vulnerability of Europe’s energy supply and the urgent need to strengthen autonomy and energy independence.
What is REPowerEU?
Presented on 18 May 2022, REPowerEU is the European Commission’s strategic response to the energy crisis triggered by the invasion of Ukraine.
The plan sets out concrete measures to:
- Rapidly reduce dependence on Russian gas;
- Accelerate the transition to renewable energy;
- Promote efficiency and stability in energy markets.
The three pillars of REPowerEU
The plan is built around three fundamental axes.
1. Boost energy efficiency
Increase the EU energy-efficiency target from 9% to 13% by 2030 through:
- More efficient buildings;
- Lower-consumption equipment and transport;
- Incentives to reduce energy demand.
The goal is to consume less energy without compromising comfort or productivity.
2. Accelerate renewable energy
Increase the renewable energy target from 40% to 45% by 2030, focusing on:
- Solar photovoltaic and wind energy;
- Heat pumps and energy storage;
- Simpler licensing processes and greater grid integration.
An additional target is to install solar panels on all public and commercial buildings by 2027 and on new homes by 2029.
3. Diversify energy supply
Reduce dependence on Russia through:
- Joint purchases of gas, LNG and hydrogen;
- Partnerships with alternative suppliers such as Norway, Algeria, Qatar and the United States;
- Investment in new transport and energy interconnection infrastructure.
The planned investment includes around 10 billion euros in gas connections, with most funding directed towards the clean energy transition.
Financing and complementary measures
The Recovery and Resilience Facility will be the main financing source for REPowerEU.
Member States can include energy chapters in their national recovery plans, with investments focused on renewables, efficiency and smart grids.
Additional measures include:
- Support for families and companies facing rising energy prices;
- Structural reforms for a more transparent and stable energy market;
- Promotion of green hydrogen as a key vector for industrial decarbonisation.
A future without Russian gas
The plan sets an ambitious target: completely eliminating imports of Russian natural gas by 2027.
With REPowerEU, Europe takes a decisive step towards strengthening energy sovereignty, protecting consumers and accelerating climate transition.
