CT1: Governance, Target Achievement and Cooperation

Core Theme 1 focuses on how integrated governance, strategic planning and regional cooperation can create a stable and predictable framework for accelerating renewable energy deployment and industrial decarbonisation across Europe. In line with the European Clean Industrial Deal, the theme explores how EU, national and regional policies can be better aligned to support achievement of the EU's 2030 renewable energy targets, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and attract large-scale investment in net-zero technologies and sustainable value chains.

The theme addresses the implementation of key provisions of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and the Governance Regulation, including renewable energy target achievement, integrated planning and reporting, National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs), regional cooperation, and EU financing instruments such as the Union Renewable Energy Financing Mechanism. Particular attention is given to improving coordination between governance levels, reducing regulatory fragmentation, and fostering cross-border collaboration.

A dedicated workstream examines the role of Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBOs), including renewable hydrogen, in decarbonising hard-to-abate industrial sectors. Discussions will focus on supporting the uptake of RFNBOs for both energy and non-energy uses, contributing to industrial decarbonisation while strengthening European clean technology value chains and hydrogen infrastructure development.

CT1 will also address regional cooperation mechanisms under the Renewable Energy Directive and Governance Regulation, including statistical transfers, joint projects, joint support schemes, and cross-border renewable energy projects. These instruments can improve cost-efficiency, energy security, infrastructure development and the integration of renewable energy markets across the EU.

Where relevant, the theme may also examine permitting procedures and the implementation of Renewables Acceleration Areas, grid and storage infrastructure planning, and measures to streamline permit-granting processes. Faster and more predictable permitting is recognised as an important enabler for achieving the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal and accelerating renewable energy deployment.

Given its broad scope, CT1 combines expertise from multiple organisations and may cooperate with other Core Themes and external experts to address cross-cutting issues effectively.