If Europe is to become climate neutral by 2050, the energy sector will need to embrace a radical transformation and become an integrated EU energy system. This will only be possible with a high degree of energy efficiency, the use of new fuels such as hydrogen, and if renewables account for a large percentage of the energy mix. There is broad support among EU energy ministers for the Green Deal, reported Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Peter Altmaier following the video conference with his counterparts from EU member states.

Climate change mitigation no contradiction to economic progress

"These clear long-term objectives now give us the unique opportunity to drive forward climate action and economic concerns together, and to reconcile the two," said Peter Altmaier. "By investing in innovations and new clean technology we can secure existing jobs and create new ones. In Europe we all need to work together on this with all our strength, and make progress across all sectors."

In the fields of climate change mitigation and decarbonisation, the energy sector has a crucially important role to play, stressed the minister. "We need to shift the spotlight more to energy efficiency, make swifter progress on stepping up the use of renewable energy in all sectors, and foster the generation and use of renewable energy and low-carbon fuels such as hydrogen."

The virtual meeting of EU energy ministers took place within the framework of Germany’s Presidency of the Council of the EU. The Council conclusions agreed in advance of the meeting by the member states to strengthen European cooperation on offshore power generation and other renewable energies as well as the conclusions regarding the development of an EU hydrogen market generate important impetus for the further development of European energy policy, while also contributing to the promotion of important forward-looking technologies on the way to achieving climate neutrality.