Status Review of Renewable Support Schemes in Europe for 2022 and 2023
Introduction
CEER has released its latest Status Review of Renewable Support Schemes in Europe, offering an in-depth overview of how electricity from renewable energy sources (RES) was supported in 2022 and 2023 across 25 CEER Member Countries (MCs). The report provides updated insights into the evolving landscape of renewable energy support mechanisms and their alignment with EU policy directions.
Context and Purpose
In the context of Europe’s energy transition and growing ambition toward carbon neutrality, supporting electricity generation from RES remains a critical policy area. This edition of the CEER Status Review examines how support schemes have developed over time, with a particular focus on their increasing market orientation. The report assesses how various instruments such as Feed-in Tariffs, Feed-in Premiums, Green Certificates, investment grants, and Contracts for Difference are being used across countries. It also evaluates funding mechanisms, national 2030 renewable targets, and introduces new data on public acceptance of RES projects.
The primary aim of the report is to help stakeholders understand current support structures, funding models, and emerging trends in renewable energy promotion across Europe.
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.
Recommendations
This report does not serve as an interpretative document from regulatory authorities. Instead, it aims to support national and European stakeholders in understanding how RES support mechanisms are evolving, where challenges remain, and how policies are adapting in response to market signals and societal feedback.
