Twenty European companies and associations are calling on EU heads of State to show the courage and vision to create a single market for electricity by 2015. European legislation has guaranteed some choice of electricity provider, but only 5% of Europe’s electricity is traded across borders. As a consequence, competition is inefficient and allows electricity … Read more
Renewable Energy World Europe, Europe’s leading renewable energy conference and exhibition, has announced that the industry remains divided as to whether the EU can achieve its 20-20-20 targets (generate 20% of its total energy from renewables by 2020). In a survey of global utility companies and energy firms, Renewable Energy World Europe found that 44% … Read more
9.3 gigawatt (GW) of new wind power capacity was installed in the EU during 2010, reaching a total of 84 GW by the end of 2010, according European Wind Energy Association (EWEA). While offshore wind power installations grew 51% from 582 MW in 2009 to 883 MW last year, new onshore wind power installations (8.4 … Read more
On 2nd February 2011, the Born Free Foundation, in association with the European coalition, ENDCAP, will launch an initial tranche of reports which evaluate the status and performance of zoos in Europe. A total of 22 reports will be produced reviewing the situation in 20 individual countries. Importantly, after the briefing, a new website – … Read more
With 308 new offshore wind turbines installed in 2010 – an increase of 51% in installed wind power capacity on the previous year – offshore wind power experienced a new record growth in Europe. In total, 883 Megawatt (MW) of new capacity, worth some €2.6 billion, were installed in 2010 in nine wind farms in … Read more
The European Commission has published a report on Member States’ performance in the prevention and recycling of waste. This shows that some Member States have made excellent progress, but that we are still some way from achieving the long-term goal of becoming a ‘recycling society’ – one that not only avoids producing waste but also … Read more
Building materials containing hazardous substances will have to be clearly labelled to protect the health and safety of building workers and other users, under a new regulation on the EU-wide sale of construction products recently approved by the European Parliament following an agreement reached with Council. Following pressure from MEPs, the ‘declaration of performance’ required … Read more
The EU 27 will exceed its target of meeting 20% of its gross final energy consumption from renewable sources by 2020, according to the European Wind Energy Association, following analysis of the National Renewable Energy Action Plans, submitted by the EU Member States to the European Commission. “Taken together the Action Plans show that the … Read more
The latest Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report on dioxin levels in the Irish environment shows that the dioxin levels in all of the samples were well below the relevant EU limits. The report also shows that dioxin levels measured in this survey compare favourably with those taken from similar surveys in the EU and other … Read more
In its drive towards a low-carbon economy, the EU must strive towards more ambitious CO2 reduction targets while being cautious about the risk of decreasing its energy competitiveness in the immediate future, said the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) in its opinion on Energy Strategy 2011-2020 adopted at its December plenary session. The opinion … Read more