The European Commission has unveiled a package of measures to boost the clean energy transition by modernising the regional economy.
The Clean Energy for All Europeans legislative proposals seek to put energy efficiency first, target global leadership in renewable energies and offer a fair deal for consumers.
They cover energy efficiency, renewable energy, the design of the electricity market, security of electricity supply and governance rules for the Energy Union.
The European Union already has plans to cut emissions of carbon dioxide by about 40% by 2030.
According to the EC, consumers across the EU will in the future have a better choice of supply, access to reliable energy price comparison tools and the potential to generate and sell their own electricity.
The package also includes several measures that intend to safeguard the most vulnerable consumers.
European Commission vice-president in charge of Energy Union Maroš Šefcovic said: "Having led global climate action in recent years, Europe is now showing example by creating the conditions for sustainable jobs, growth and investment.
“Today's proposals touch upon all clean energy related sectors: research and innovation, skills, buildings, industry, transport, digital, finance to name but a few. These measures will equip all European citizens and businesses with the means to make the most of the clean energy transition."
The package also includes measures to speed up clean energy innovation and to renovate Europe's buildings.
It provides measures to encourage public and private investment, promote EU industrial competitiveness and mitigate the societal impact of the clean energy transition.
Climate Action and Energy commissioner Miguel Arias Cañete said: "Our proposals provide a strong market pull for new technologies, set the right conditions for investors, empower consumers, make energy markets work better and help us meet our climate targets. I'm particularly proud of the binding 30% energy efficiency target, as it will reduce our dependency on energy imports, create jobs and cut more emissions.
“Europe is on the brink of a clean energy revolution. And just as we did in Paris, we can only get this right if we work together. With these proposals, the Commission has cleared the way to a more competitive, modern and cleaner energy system. Now we count on European Parliament and our Member States to make it a reality."