EU renewable-energy use targets

The European Commission set individual country targets for renewable-energy use, a critical step in an ambitious plan, approved last year, to have 20% of the European Union energy come from renewable sources, such as wind, solar and biofuels, by 2020. The targets could change as the proposal works its way through the EU's legislative system.

According to the Commission is most recent data, only 8.5% of the EU energy consumption in 2005 came from renewable sources. Some of the EU's' biggest countries will have to make substantial leaps thanks to a mechanism that puts a greater burden on countries with higher per capita gross domestic product. Britain-at 1.3% renewable in 2005, according to the Commission's figures-must reach 15%. Germany must go from 5.8% to 18%.

Of particular concern is the extent to which countries should be able to meet their benchmarks by trading renewable certificates instead of investing in renewable energy on their own soil. Under the current proposal countries can stop producers from selling their certificates abroad.

Source: WSJ, 24/01/08