The National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) is a ten-year integrated document mandated by the European Union to each of its member states in order for the EU to meet its overall greenhouse gases emissions targets. Following feedback from an EU-wide assessment of draft NECP submissions, EU members are required to submit updated final NECPs for the period 2021-2030. The Energy and Climate Plan addresses all five dimensions of the EU Energy Union: decarbonisation, energy efficiency, energy security, internal energy markets and research, innovation and competitiveness.
The plan establishes the following goals: 1) to build a competitive, low-carbon economy by the optimal use of renewable energy sources, nuclear energy, decarbonised gases and new technologies; 2) to promote energy efficiency, using low-energy manufacturing processes and enhanced thermal efficiency in buildings; 3) to support an efficient energy architecture which creates the conditions for energy security by strengthening domestic sources; 4) the deployment of smart energy systems and electricity storage systems to ensure an integrated energy market; 5) to implement RD programmes such as domestic geothermal exploration and enhanced energy storage technology. Key targets for 2030 include a 64.3% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions relative to 2005, excluding the LULUCF sector, and a 25% renewable share in domestic energy production.