The EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) introduced an important innovation lever: by 2030, at least 5% of newly installed renewable electricity capacity should contribute to the integration of innovative renewable energy technologies.
If effectively implemented, this target could accelerate the deployment of next-generation renewables that will be essential for achieving the EU’s long-term decarbonization, climate, and energy goals.
Future Cleantech Architects analyzed the updated National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) of ten Member States to assess how the 5% target is being interpreted and operationalized.
Key findings:
- No shared definition of “innovative renewables,” leading to inconsistent interpretation.
- Long-term roadmaps beyond 2030 are largely missing.
- Seven countries reference the 5% target, but only four provide operational details.
- High-potential innovative technologies are rarely linked to quantified deployment objectives.
Fully implementation of the 5% target across the ten countries analyzed would imply more than 25 GW of innovative renewable capacity by 2030 across the ten countries analyzed alone – more than the net global coal power capacity added in 2024, according to Global Energy Monitor. This potential is not yet reflected in current national plans.
With a new EU renewable energy framework expected in Q3 2026, there is a clear opportunity to turn the 5% innovation target into a central pillar for scaling next-generation renewable technologies in Europe.
Read the full report to learn more about our findings and four actionable recommendations!