Renewable Energy Directive (RED)

The Renewable Energy Directive (RED)¹ sets targets to increase the EU’s renewable energy use. It addresses environmental, energy and climate challenges in Europe, with an aim to reduce the amount of carbon emissions created by Member States of the European Union. 

The first Renewable Energy Directive² was adopted in 2009, with targets for the EU to procure 20% of its gross energy consumption from renewable sources, and for 10% of transport energy consumption to be procured from renewable sources by 2020.

In 2018, the Clean Energy for Europeans'³ package was introduced, prompting a revision of the Renewable Energy Directive⁴, which increased the gross energy consumption target to 32% and the transport energy target to 14% by 2030.

With the adoption of RED III in 2023, the EU has taken a decisive step forward. Replacing RED II, RED III introduces more ambitious targets and compliance measures to align with the broader Fit for 55 climate package. By 2030, the EU seeks to achieve a 42.5% share of renewables in gross final energy consumption, with a stretch target of 45%. For the biofuels sector, this means increased scrutiny, stricter sustainability criteria, and mandatory traceability.