The Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER) has published a report on the status of renewable energy support schemes in Europe.
In addition to tracking the development of support schemes over time, the report follows their increasing market orientation. It includes an evaluation of the application of various instruments such as feed-in tariffs, feed-in premiums, green certificates, investment subsidies, and contracts for difference across the different countries. It also reviews financing mechanisms and the national renewable energy targets for 2030.
The report focuses on the period 2022–2023, noting that in the meantime, some legal frameworks may have been updated. Renewable energy policies, including support for RES, can affect consumers in several ways—particularly through their overall impact on the electricity system (e.g. grid development, market integration, etc.). In most cases, the costs of achieving agreed renewable energy targets will be born directly by consumers—for example, when support for RES is added directly to electricity bills—or indirectly through national budgets. Therefore, it is in consumers’ interest to ensure the deployment of RES is carried out in the most cost-effective way.
Key Findings
- In 2023, an average of 20.8% of electricity produced in the reporting countries was supported under national RES schemes, with significant variation among MCs, ranging from 3.5% in Austria to 41% in Germany.
- 18 out of 25 CEER Member Countries continue to finance RES support through non-tax levies, typically added to consumer electricity bills.
- Market-based mechanisms, particularly tendering procedures and Contracts for Difference (CfDs), are becoming increasingly widespread.
- RES producers in 17 countries now bear balancing responsibilities. In 10 of these, the obligations apply to all RES producers regardless of size.
- For the first time, the report provides insights into public attitudes toward RES projects. Key concerns include visual impact, land use, and local disturbances, especially regarding solar PV and onshore wind.
