After several rounds of informal negotiations, EP negotiators and the Council's presidency have reached an informal compromise on a Renewable Energy Directive, which establishes mandatory national targets to be achieved by member states, so as to ensure that the EU reaches a 20% target by 2020. This includes a 15% target for the UK.
With this major legislation renewable energy will be put at the very heart of EU energy policies and at the same time reinvigorate the European economy and jobs through green technology investments
Claude Turmes, rapportuer (picture courtesy of the European Parliament)
Notably for the waste and recycling sector, the agreement will also require that 10% of the European target is met by renewable transport fuels, with biofuels produced from waste “double credited” towards this goal.
The compromise still needs to be formally endorsed by the full Council and put to a first reading vote at Parliament's plenary session in Strasbourg on December 17, but it is believed this will be a mere formality.
Satisfied with the agreement, Parliament's rapporteur, Claude Turmes (Greens/EFA, LU) said: “This is a good day for climate and energy security in Europe. With this major legislation renewable energy will be put at the very heart of EU energy policies and at the same time reinvigorate the European economy and jobs through green technology investments.”
2014 review
At the Tuesday meeting, MEPs and the Council Presidency also agreed that the review of the implementation of the directive, which is to take place by 2014, would not affect the overall 20% target but would aim to improve, if necessary, the efficiency of cooperation mechanisms.
Welcoming this, Friends of the Earth's climate campaigner, Robin Webster said: “The renewable energy deal is a ray of hope amidst the gloom of the EU climate negotiations.
“Investing in safe, clean renewable energy will not only reduce our dependency on fossil fuels and tackle climate change, it will also create tens of thousands of jobs and create new business opportunities,” he added.
After the Renewable Energy Directive is put to a first reading vote at European parliament's plenary session on December 17, it will then need to be signed by the Council before being published in the Official Journal of the European Union, which is expected in the New Year, when it will become law.
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