EU names and shames renewable energy laggards
The European Commission yesterday confirmed that the EU is on track to narrowly beat its goal of generating 20 per cent of its energy from renewable energy sources by 2020, releasing new figures that predict member states will together generate 20.3 per cent of their power from renewables by the end of the decade.
The data shows that 12 of the 27 member states are on target to meet their renewable energy targets, while 10 countries are in a position to exceed their targets.
However, the Commission also named and shamed five countries – Italy, Luxembourg, Belgium, Denmark and Malta – that are currently expected to miss their 2020 target.
Under the EU’s renewable energy directive, member states that cannot meet their targets using domestic resources will be able to acquire renewable energy from other member states or sources outside the EU, such as proposed solar farms in North Africa.
The Commission said this cross-border purchasing would play “a very minor role” in helping a small number of countries meet their targets, amounting to less than one per cent of the renewable energy generated domestically across Europe.
Under the rules of the directive, those countries that fail to meet their targets domestically or purchase energy from other countries could face legal action and fines from the EU.
The figures come as EU energy ministers meet in Brussels today to discuss proposals for wide-ranging energy reforms, including the recent European Commission plan for liberalisation of the EU’s energy markets and plans for a €50bn (£45bn) investment programme for high-tech low-carbon projects.
source-http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2259430/eu-names-shames-renewable