European Commission Launches ‘AccelerateEU’ Emergency Plan Amid Iran Crisis To Tackle Energy Price Spikes And Fossil Fuel Dependence

The European Commission has announced a new emergency policy package called AccelerateEU, introduced in response to the ongoing Iran crisis and the disruption of shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. These events have caused energy price spikes across Europe and highlighted the EU’s long-standing dependence on fossil fuel imports.

AccelerateEU is designed to deliver faster, more coordinated actions to secure affordable and reliable energy for European citizens and businesses. Following the announcement, SolarPower Europe shared its reaction. Dries Acke, the organisation’s Deputy CEO, emphasised that renewable-based electrification remains the most effective way for Europe to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels.

He welcomed AccelerateEU’s clear focus on electrification, noting that the Commission’s move to establish a single EU-wide electrification target gives direction and certainty for the energy transition. He also highlighted the Commission’s plans to boost electrification support through the proposed Industrial Decarbonisation Bank and to encourage Member States to reduce electricity taxation—steps that can help turn policy goals into real progress. Acke also pointed out that the Commission’s recognition of the need to expand EU energy storage capacity to 200 GW by 2030 sends a strong and necessary signal. Batteries, he said, will drive this growth, making Europe’s electricity system both secure and competitive.

However, he expressed concern that the Communication does not yet include specific measures to reach these storage levels or to scale up other forms of non-fossil flexibility. These technologies are essential for limiting the influence of volatile global gas prices on Europe’s electricity costs. SolarPower Europe is therefore calling for a market-based “Non-Fossil Flexibility Investment Booster” to ensure the security of electricity supply and help bring down wholesale prices. Overall, SolarPower Europe views AccelerateEU as an important step in the right direction, setting the tone for rapid action under crisis conditions.

The organisation stresses that the next stage must combine ambition with practical financing tools that can strengthen Europe’s long-term energy resilience. Several key points provide additional context. AccelerateEU is a formal Communication from the European Commission outlining accelerated measures to secure affordable and stable energy. It was developed in response to the European Council conclusions from 19 March, which called for urgent action due to the Iran crisis and related disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz. The goal is to address rising energy prices and reduce the EU’s structural reliance on fossil fuels.

Recent research by SolarPower Europe shows that the existing solar power capacity in the EU has played a significant role in reducing energy dependence. Since the beginning of the 2026 Middle Conflict, EU solar installations have saved more than €110 million per day in avoided gas imports. These savings have now reached a total of €6.3 billion. Still, the organisation stresses that further urgent measures—especially related to battery storage and non-fossil flexibility—are needed to cut gas use and limit its impact on electricity prices.

In 2025, SolarPower Europe launched the Battery Storage Europe Platform (BSEP) to push for major growth in battery storage. The platform calls for a tenfold increase in EU battery capacity by 2030 to support the energy transition, strengthen security of supply, and maintain Europe’s competitiveness. Updates on this initiative are available through the BSEP LinkedIn page.