EU Renewables Targets Weakened

The EU Commission has set out new plans to cut Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.  However, previous binding national targets will be dropped – leaving each Member State to develop green technologies as they wish.  Without enforceable national targets the overall EU figure rather becomes an aspiration rather than a clear policy goal.   As set out the ‘Climate and Energy Package’, total EU GHG emissions will fall by 40% relative to 1990 by 2030.  By the same date renewable energy should be contributing 27% of the EU total use.  Agriculture would be expected to cut its GHG emissions by 30% relative to a 2005 baseline.  Under the previous ‘Package’ of targets to 2020 (see Bulletin 12(08)) the UK was mandated to provide 15% of its energy from renewables by 2020.   It was below 4% in 2011.  The new package will be the subject of discussion between the various EU bodies with a view to adopting it at the end of the year.