Response to the Commission’s call for evidence on the guidance for designating renewables acceleration areas (RAAs).

The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) provides feedback to the European Commission on the upcoming guidance for Member States on designating Renewables Acceleration Areas (RAAs) under the revised EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED).

With an emphasis on environmental protection and social justice, the EEB proposes strategies to improve the planning of renewable energy deployment while preserving ecosystems and benefiting local communities. To meet the EU’s renewable energy targets for 2030 and beyond, RAAs must prioritise wind and solar technologies, while excluding hydro and biomass for sustainability reasons. A holistic approach to renewable energy planning includes the integration of energy modelling, environmental sensitivity mapping, socio-economic assessments and designation of multi-use areas.