Renewable energy success12 December 2008
We've done it! After much campaigning the European Union has agreed strong renewable energy targets.
Last year the Government signed a European renewable energy agreement - the Renewable Energy Directive.
The Directive says the UK must get 15% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020.
The Government had tried to wriggle out of its commitments. It put forward a series of proposals to weaken the Directive.
Campaign reward
But in the end those proposals received little support or were rejected. After intensive lobbying the Government backed a strong Directive.
We expect it to be endorsed by the European Parliament on December 17th.
Britain can be a world leader in developing green energy. We have the windiest country in Europe and the continent's best wave and tidal resources.
The renewable energy deal is a ray of hope amidst the gloom of the EU climate negotiations.
Robin Webster, Friends of the Earth's climate campaigner
Some disappointment
Overall Friends of the Earth is pleased with the Directive. But we are deeply disappointed that attempts to remove a 10% target for biofuels have failed.
Next steps
Friends of the Earth is continuing to campaign in support of renewable energy.
The Government is due to publish its Renewable Energy Strategy in June 2009. The Strategy needs to show how the UK will meet the 15% target.
It's a challenging target. We need to make sure the Government supports a strong renewable energy development at home and in Europe.
Find out more
Government has now published the Renewable Energy Strategy.
Read all about how the success of the campaign.
© Friends of the Earth
