27 June 2024
Belgium and The Netherlands sign MoU on a harmonized implementation of the Renewable Energy Directive III in the maritime sector
After long and intense negotiations, the EU finally concluded and adopted the 3rd revision of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) at the end of last year. Besides aiming to increase renewable energy sources in the EU’s overall energy mix by 2030, the Directive fixes different sub-targets (and calculation rules) for the consumption and supply of RFNBO (renewable) hydrogen for both industry and transport by 2030.
It is important to note that RED is “only” a Directive, and not a Regulation, member states therefore still have to implement the directive in their legislation. The directive only sets the target meaning it leaves quite some flexibilities and open choices to the Member States on how they wish to implement the targets. Without any coordination or harmonisation, a big risk of unequal level playing field, market distortions and cherry picking might emerge. This is why Belgium and The Netherlands have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a harmonised approach to implement the RED for the maritime sector.