Plaid MEP regrets failure to set stringent renewable energy target
Press Release from Jill Evans MEP
Plaid MEP Jill Evans has expressed her disappointment at MEP's failure to adopt a strict target for renewable energy use in Europe by 2030.
MEPs were voting on a report in Strasbourg setting out their position on Europe's renewable energy policy.
Jill Evans and her group colleagues had been calling for an ambitious target of 40-45% energy from renewable sources by 2030, but this was rejected. MEPs did however agree that targets for renewable energy use in 2030 should be binding.
There was also backing for national support schemes such as feed-in tariffs, which have proved so important in Wales.
Speaking after the vote, Jill Evans said:
"There is growing recognition that developing renewable energy can create jobs and strengthen the economy. Plaid Cymru's policy is for a national powerhouse for green energy, investing in national infrastructure from tidal energy to community-owned wind and hydro power, focussed on our own energy needs and exporting where appropriate but re-investing the profits for the benefit of the people of Wales.
"I regret the failure of the European Parliament to set more ambitious, binding targets. Sourcing 40-45% of our energy from renewable sources by 2030 is perfectly feasible, and we should be aiming higher. Plaid's Plan C would assist in this and help Wales refocus towards a sustainable economy."
"I hope that the Commission proposals on climate and energy will reflect this kind of ambition."
