EU proposes 40% decarbonisation target for 2030
Wed 22 January 2014
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The European Commission has proposed that the target for 2030 should be a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 40% below 1990 levels in tandem with a binding EU-wide target for renewable energy of at least 27%. However, unlike the 2020 framework, the overall renewables target will not be translated to mandatory national level targets. Member states' national plans will also have to cover energy efficiency but a decision on this will be taken later in the year.
The GHG reduction target, and targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency are described as 'the pillars of the new EU framework on climate and energy for 2030' which has been presented by the European Commission.
The Commission's policy proposals are subject to review by heads of government.
The Commission says that the 2030 framework will ensure regulatory certainty for investors and a coordinated approach among Member States, leading to the development of new technologies. It says that the framework aims to drive continued progress towards a low-carbon economy and a competitive and secure energy system.
European Commission President José Manuel Barroso said: "Climate action is central for the future of our planet, while a truly European energy policy is key for our competitiveness. Today's package proves that tackling the two issues simultaneously is not contradictory, but mutually reinforcing".
Green groups have said the new targets lack ambition and the 40% emissions cut is "dangerously low". A spokesman for Friends of the Earth said the target would make the goal of avoiding dangerous climate change, defined as going above 2C, difficult to achieve: "We say 40% is really dangerously low. This goal means there's about fifty-fifty chance of going over 2 degrees of global warming," he said.
The wide ranging White Paper will have a significant impact on the way Europe generates its power from 2020 onwards.
Some countries including the UK urged the Commission to propose a bigger target of 50% by 2030, others held out for 35%.
Climate commissioner Connie Hedegaard said that, given the economic climate, the 40% target was a significant advance. She said (reported by the BBC): "A 40% emissions reduction is the most cost-effective target for the EU and it takes account of our global responsibility."
"If all other regions were equally ambitious about tackling climate change, the world would be in significantly better shape."
Officials emphasised that the 40% target would have to be achieved "through domestic measures alone", meaning that member states couldn't offset their reductions by paying for carbon cutting in other countries.
The announcement was more generally welcomed by investors. According to the Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change the new target was 'a good first step'.
"A 40% emissions reduction target is the minimum necessary to keep Europe on course for a low-carbon economy as outlined in the EU's 2050 Roadmap," said chief executive Stephanie Pfeifer (reported by BBC).
In the UK, the Renewable Energy Association said that it is "disappointed by the lack of ambition for renewable energy in the European Commission's proposed 2030 framework. "
The European Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (eceee) said that the lack of clear signals on energy efficiency ambitions and targets risks undermining the weak economic recovery and competitiveness in the EU.
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