The European Parliament overwhelmingly approved, during this month’s plenary session, the political agreement reached with the Council on financing REPowerEU, a 20 billion euros plan that aims to support the EU's post-pandemic recovery efforts and reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels by 2027. The measures will be added to national recovery plans, to accelerate the transition to clean energy and build a sustainable economy. The plan aims to diversify energy supplies, as well as promote renewable energy, increase energy efficiency, and usage of new technologies.
The REPowerEU plan includes a series of measures that will be implemented in the EU member states. One of the measures under the plan is the expansion of renewable energy. In order to increase the share of renewable energy to 32% by 2030, up from the current target of 20%, the EU will develop its renewable energy capacities such as wind and solar power and the development of new technologies, such as hydrogen and energy storage. Another important measure under REPowerEU is energy efficiency. Reducing energy consumption by 32.5% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels will involve among other things, measures such as improving the energy efficiency of buildings, promoting the use of energy-efficient appliances and vehicles, and increasing the use of smart technologies. The modernisation of the energy system is also foreseen within REPowerEU, involving the development of new energy infrastructure, such as grids and storage facilities, as well as the usage of new technologies. The goal is to create a more flexible, decentralised, and resilient energy system.
The initiative represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and resilient energy system in the EU. REPowerEU is not only aiming to address the challenge of climate change, but should also lead to the creation of new opportunities for economic growth. This transition could positively impact the fitness and physical activity sector, which can benefit from measures included in the plan, such as the promotion of active transportation, the improvement of indoor environments, and the creation of new opportunities for innovation. Furthermore, operating costs for fitness clubs could be reduced, in the long run, through the use of renewable and more affordable energy sources.