The European Parliament has voted for the first time in favour of setting a binding renewable energy target for 2030. “The Parliament’s vote sends a strong message to the European Council as it prepares its response to the European Commission’s Energy Roadmap 2050,” comments Stephane Bourgeois, head of regulatory affairs at the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA). “Ministers should take heed of the European Parliament and endorse a binding renewables target for 2030. Binding targets for renewables are proven to be effective, and targets for 2030 would continue to drive European industry, boost energy security and are key in tackling climate change.”
A 2030 renewable energy target is supported by Climate Action Commissioner Hedegaard, and Energy Commissioner Oettinger has called for a decision on such a target by 2014. The Parliament’s vote was part of the Davies report on the 2050 low carbon economy roadmap.
The European Parliament has also voted in favour of calling on the Commission to correct the failings of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), possibly through a set-aside of allowances.
“MEPs have voted to take the urgent action which is needed to boost carbon prices in order to help the carbon market recover and fix the ETS,” says Remi Gruet, senior regulatory affairs advisor for climate and environment at EWEA. “The simplest way to do this is to remove surplus allowances from the market. The Commission now needs to propose measures to do this.”