As part of the Davies Report on the 2050 low carbon economy roadmap, the European Parliament has voted in favour of setting a binding renewable energy target for 2030.

Industrial Info reports that the European Parliament also voted in favour of calling on the Commission to correct the failings of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), possibly through a set-aside of allowances.

The current target, requiring member states to generate 20 per cent of energy from renewables, runs out in 2020.

No decision has been announced on what the new 2030 target will be; however, EU Climate Action Commissioner Connie Hedegaard and Energy Commissioner Gunther Oettinger have asked for a decision on a target as early as 2014.



The outcome of the vote on renewables was welcomed by bodies representing the environmental sector. Stephane Bourgeois, head of regulatory affairs at the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) (Brussels, Belgium), said, "Binding targets for renewables are proven to be effective, and targets for 2030 would continue to drive European industry, boost energy security, and are key in tackling climate change.

"His colleague Arthouros Zervos, president of the EWEA, said: "The wind industry expects to invest some €400bn ($530.45bn) in Europe between now and 2030, in order to reach this target. The wind industry requires a stable and strong EU energy policy."

The European Renewable Energy Council (EREC) (Brussels, Belgium) has called on the European Commission, member states and the European Parliament to deliver on the European Union's long-term climate commitment by proposing and endorsing a legally binding EU target of at least 45% renewable energy by 2030.

Both Poland and the U.K. have concerns over the effect that a renewable energy target would have on industry. Meanwhile the U.K. government wants nuclear power to be given parity with renewables.

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