The UK renewable sector has criticised the European Commission’s 2030 energy targets proposal for failing to set binding country-specific renewables’ goals as part of its greenhouse emissions policy due to increasing energy costs.
The new targets’ package announced today sets out a 40% cut in carbon emissions, compared to 1990 levels – double the goal set for 2020 which the Commission confirmed would not be changed for the current period.
While the emissions’ target will be binding for all 28 member states, albeit not followed by formal legislative proposals until early next year, awaiting an approval by the European Parliament, the Commission did not set specific national green energy goals, limiting its proposal to a binding EU-wide 27% share of renewables in the energy mix.
“While it is pleasing to see the EU Commission recognise that renewable energy is a key part of future energy solutions across Europe, the lack of ambition in not ensuring there are national binding targets for renewable energy is a disappointment,” said Maria McCaffery, RenewableUK chief executive.
“This is a missed opportunity for member states to take collective and serious action on the drive for clean, sustainable, renewable energy, which is the best option for reducing our carbon emissions.”
Current national targets for renewables – including government renewables’ subsidies blamed for the overall rise in energy prices – had not proved the most cost effective and ditching them would give governments more flexibility over how to meet main emission cutting goal, the Commission concluded.
“The 2030 framework sets a high level of ambition for action against climate change, but it also recognises that this needs to be achieved at least cost,” said the Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger.
“The internal energy market provides the basis to achieve this goal and I will continue to work on its completion in order to use its full potential. This includes the ‘Europeanisation’ of renewable energy policies”.
RebewableUK has called for the UK Government to set an example for other EU states by focusing its internal energy policy on the renewables sector.
“The Commission has gone out of its way to point out that member states are still free to set their own nationally binding renewable energy targets, so it is not too late for the UK Government to take leadership on this issue,” McCaffery said.
“To meet the binding greenhouse gas targets and also the UK Government’s stated aim of tackling climate change, we need to keep investing in the world beating renewable sources we have, which can also bring thousands of jobs and help our energy security.”
The new policy outline also foresees the creation of a new governance system for competitive, secure and sustainable energy, as well as a reform to the contested EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS), which would set up a new reserve of emission allowances available from the next trading period in 2021.
Also today the Commission has set minimum recommendations for shale gas exploration to ensure member states address health and environmental concerns prior to fracking.
The recommendations set out the application of best practices in terms of planning, assessment and environmental impact control as well as keeping the public informed about the chemicals and processes used during exploration.
Member states are expected to report each year on the measures they have put in practice and the Commission plans a scorecard-based review in 18 months’ time.
“Shale gas is raising hopes in some parts of Europe, but is also a source of public concern,” said the Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik.
“The Commission is responding to calls for action with minimum principles that member states are invited to follow in order to address environmental and health concerns and give operators and investors the predictability they need.”
But the Greens’ EU representation called the recommendations a “cop-out” which failed to propose binding measures to address public concerns, saying the Commission bowed to the pressure of “fossil fuel lobby” by political figures like David Cameron.
“In failing to regulate, the Commission is essentially promoting new, high-risk fossil fuel extraction in Europe,” said Green environment and public health spokesperson Carl Schlyter.
“This is a blow for European citizens and the environment. Pushing ahead with shale gas extraction is a waste of effort and capital at a time when we need to be looking for ways to use less, not more fossil fuels.”
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