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European States agree to water down renewable energy plans
30 October 2008
An agreement reached by the UK and other European Governments last night could weaken Europe's Renewable Energy Plans said Friends of the Earth today (Thursday 30 October).
Senior officials agreed proposals for amending the EU's Renewable Energy Directive - which commits Europe to generating 20 per cent of its energy from renewable sources by 2020. If Member States get their way in negotiations with the European Commission and European Parliament over the next few weeks they could seriously undermine the Directive.
The amendments include a 2014 review clause which could allow Member States and the European Commission to propose wide-ranging changes to the law. In particular the possible exclusion of the fast-growing aviation sector in the overall energy total will be considered, and Member States will be able to seek other concessions to reach the 2020 target in more flexible ways. It is feared that this uncertainty could damage investor confidence.
Friends of the Earth Energy Campaigner, Mary Taylor, said:
"The agreement reached by the UK and other member states could weaken Europe's Renewable Energy Plans. The next month of negotiations is going to be crucial. The UK should be championing renewable energy in Europe as a way of helping us out of recession instead of trying to wriggle out of its green energy promises."
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Nov 2008
