Binding targets are needed if EU is to be world leader on renewables

The European Parliament’s Industry, Research and Energy committee (ITRE) has today backed a report on the renewable energy directive, setting out targets for renewable energy for 2030. The Greens/EFA group voted against the report, due in part to the absence of binding targets for member states. A plenary vote is expected in January.

Claude Turmes, the Greens/EFA shadow rapporteur in ITRE, comments:

“The EU should be striving to become the world leader in renewables. An ambitious renewables policy with national binding targets is key to cutting costs and accelerating the energy transition. The 35% renewable energy target for 2030 should be the absolute bare minimum and falls short of what is needed to meet the Paris Agreement.

"What is worse, this will not be backed up by binding targets at national level. Alongside a loophole, which will allow member states to deviate by a further 10% in “duly justified circumstances”, it seems highly unlikely that the overall EU target will be met. With negotiations with the member states yet to begin, the parliament should not agree such a weak starting position."

Bas Eickhout, Greens/EFA rapporteur for the Environment committee, adds:

"We are pleased to see strong provisions on the generation and consumption of renewable energy by local communities. This will help citizens reap the full benefits of the transition towards renewables.

"The introduction of a transport sub-target of 12% is a major concern, opening the door to first generation biofuels that are bad for climate and compete with food production. The industry and environment committees now have quite different positions. We will need to ensure consistency and reduce the place that has been opened up to unsustainable bioenergy when we have the final vote in the European Parliament."