RePowerEU | The Commission presents a plan for independence from Russian fuels

The 225 billion euro plan includes a European Solar Strategy, a Biomethane Action Plan and a Hydrogen Accelerator.

In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the EC presented a REPowerEU plan to transform European energy and speed up a shift away from Russian fossil fuels. Implementation will take place through energy savings, diversification of supply and acceleration of the introduction of renewable resources. The main source of funding for the plan is € 225 billion in loans from the Recovery and Resilience Facility.

The gradual reduction of energy prices is intended to ensure the expansion and acceleration of renewable energy through various initiatives:

- EU Solar Strategy: doubling photovoltaic capacity by 2025

- Biomethane Action Plan: includes a new partnership and financial incentives to expand biomethane production

- Hydrogen Accelerator: to extend hydrogen capacity beyond the 2020 hydrogen strategy.

- Solar Rooftop Initiative: extension of solar panels in residential and commercial buildings.

The newly created EU Energy Platform will also help, enabling common purchases of gas, LNG and hydrogen. Replicating the ambition of the common vaccine purchasing programme, the Commission will consider the development of a “joint purchasing mechanism” which will negotiate and contract gas purchases on behalf of participating MS.

The gradual replacement of coal, oil and gas in industrial production and transport is intended to reduce emissions while increasing the independence and security of the European market. The REPowerEU plan thus complements and broadens the ambitions of the Green Deal strategy and the Fit for 55 package.