In an open letter addressed to the EU Commission, 18 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and 22 CEOs from prominent industrial companies, including Volvo, ThyssenKrupp, Allianz, Siemens, and Royal Dutch Shell, are urging for an expedited deployment of renewable energy to achieve climate neutrality. They emphasize the need for action and state that they are ready to "walk the talk" and expect the EU to do the same.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from industries is a significant challenge for the EU. While power producers in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) managed to cut pollution by 15% last year, the manufacturing sector achieved an average reduction of 7% (with industrial output also affected by the pandemic). The signatories of the letter call upon the Commission to ensure that planned reforms address grid bottlenecks, facilitate the free flow of energy between countries, and eliminate barriers to the integration of clean power.
The open letter also emphasizes that to lead the transition towards low-carbon technologies and innovations, Europe requires robust infrastructure, access to abundant renewable power supply, and the swift implementation of new market processes at competitive energy prices. The signatories highlight the importance of creating an environment that supports the growth of renewable energy, enabling industries to embrace sustainable practices and contribute to the EU's climate goals.
The joint initiative by MEPs and CEOs showcases the shared commitment of both policymakers and industry leaders to drive the transition towards renewable energy sources, emphasizing the need for supportive policies, efficient energy infrastructure, and competitive energy markets to accelerate the clean energy transition across Europe.
