Europe
South East Europe Regional Initiative
Overview
Europe possesses abundant renewable energy resources and continues to lead globally in deploying clean energy solutions. Through the European Green Deal, the EU has committed to becoming the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. Under the revised Renewable Energy Directive, the EU has set an ambitious target of achieving a 42.5% share of renewables in gross final energy consumption by 2030, with an aspiration to reach 45%. These goals are supported by robust policy frameworks and record-breaking renewable deployment across the region.
As a global centre of excellence, IRENA works closely with European partners to accelerate this transition. At the request of the European Commission, IRENA developed a regional REmap analysis to identify cost-effective renewable pathways for power, heating, cooling, and transport. In 2025, IRENA and the Commission launched the first EU Regional Energy Transition Outlook, projecting renewables to supply 70% of EU electricity by 2030 and nearly 90% by 2050. Achieving this vision will require annual investments of around €220 billion, totaling €5.6 trillion by 2050.
Beyond the EU, countries in South and Eastern Europe are increasingly aligning with these sustainability strategies. Through its South East Europe Regional Initiative, IRENA supports members and partners, including those within the Energy Community, to create enabling policies, attract investment, and strengthen regional integration. Despite abundant solar, wind, biomass, and hydropower resources, deployment outside legacy hydropower remains modest. IRENA continues to provide technical assistance in resource mapping, policy design, grid integration, and investment facilitation to unlock this potential.
With strong EU-wide policies, accelerating renewable deployment, and IRENA’s targeted support, Europe is on a clear path toward climate neutrality, while South East Europe deepens its alignment through regional cooperation and investment-driven frameworks
IRENA work in the region
IRENA works across Europe by providing analysis, fostering partnerships, building capacity, and promoting policy for renewable energy adoption by supporting regional goals and developing national assessments such as the Tripling Renewable Energy Strategy (TRES).
