Spain, Portugal, and Luxembourg press for 2040 EU Renewable Energy Target

In a letter that was seen on Tuesday by, Spain, Portugal, and Luxembourg urged the European Union (EU) to set a target for 2040 to expand renewable energy. This has led to a conflict with other EU nations who want to include nuclear power in the goal.

The European Commission has been preparing new EU energy policies that will guide the bloc's strategy for energy after 2030. The EU's 2030 target is to reach 42.5% of its total energy consumption from renewable sources. However, there is no goal for 2040.

Sara Aagesen, the Spanish Energy Minister, told reporters Tuesday that investors need clear signals.

In a letter to EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen dated 25 September, the three countries stated: "Renewables is proven and competitive solutions that can be implemented?in Europe at scale and on schedule."

It said that a high dependence on fossil fuels places our economies and citizens at risk. We need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels because of geopolitical uncertainty and the effects of the Strait of Hormuz blockage.

Their call is in conflict with the other EU governments who are pushing for a more encompassing "clean energy" target that includes nuclear power, an energy source that?nations such as France and Sweden have pushed to reduce greenhouse gas emission and reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports.

Sari Multala, Finland's climate minister, told reporters at a meeting of EU energy ministers on Tuesday that "we definitely have to consider nuclear as part the solution."

There are no EU targets for expanding nuclear energy, as some countries, such as Austria and Luxembourg, strongly oppose this source of energy, citing safety concerns and nuclear waste.

Aagesen stated that Spain and five other countries had asked the EU to take measures to capture the windfall profits of companies from high energy prices.

(source: Reuters)