European MPs have backed plans for climate change and energy policy targets for the next 16 years.
MEPs voted last night to support three binding targets for renewable power use, greenhouse gas reductions and energy efficiency across the continent to 2030.
The 66-50 vote by members of the energy, industry and environment committees will now see the targets put to plenary next month.
The move comes ahead of the European Commission’s plans for energy and climate policies up to 2030, which will be revealed in Brussels later this month.
Currently, EU targets – set in 2008 and running until 2020 – call for a 20% reduction in emissions, 20% share of energy from renewable sources and 20% increase in energy efficiency. Only the first two of these are binding, however.
The new proposals would see those targets extended and strengthened to 2030, with all three being legally binding.
The vote was welcomed by green energy campaigners, who have been lobbying for binding targets to ensure continuing investment in renewable sources.
“Following the letter in favour of a 2030 renewable energy target from eight Member States including Germany and France, to European Commissioners, this vote is another strong signal to the European Commission of the widespread support for a binding renewable energy target for 2030”, said the European Wind Energy Association’s Stephane Bourgeois.
“In its upcoming communication on 22 January, the Commission must propose an ambitious and binding renewable energy target.
“It cannot deny the findings of its own impact assessment which says a renewable energy target is better for the economy than a greenhouse gas target alone – over 560,000 more jobs, €500 billion in fossil fuel import savings, and lower energy costs for energy intensive industries.”
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