Renewables Directive: EP votes to put renewable energy first in Europe
The European Parliament Industry and Energy (ITRE) Committee today adopted the legislative report by Green rapporteur Claude Turmes for a Renewables Directive. Speaking after the vote, Claude Turmes said:
"Today we have voted to put renewable energy first in Europe. With an ambitious binding target (a minimum of 20% by 2020) for the share of renewable energy, we are ensuring that Europe achieves its renewables potential. MEPs on the ITRE Committee have supported a number of crucial improvements to the original proposal from the European Commission. By introducing interim targets and a penalty system, we will help ensure that the urgently-needed exansion in renewables will take place right now and not be put on the back-burner.
"While the maintenance of a binding target for biofuels is a bitter pill to swallow, the committee has at least strengthened the safeguards against the damaging impacts of agro-fuels in this directive. The proportion of fuel coming from food or feed crops has been restricted (1). Crucially, the committee also supported the inclusion of a review to take place in 2014, which will mean the 10% target can be reassessed if it is proving damaging. Furthermore the so-called 'sustainability criteria' have been strengthened, ensuring transport fuels from biomass must achieve a greenhouse gas saving of at least 45% compared with conventional fuels (rising to 60% in 2015) (2).
"Among the other important improvements, renewables will also be given priority access to the energy supply networks, ensuring the maximum possible proportion of green energy will be used. Member States, which find it difficult to reach their national targets, will be able to count investments in renewable production in other Member States to help them achieve their target. Furthermore, the EP has ensured that introducing this flexibility will not have a negative impact on existing support schemes for renewables in the different Member States. We have also introduced obligations for renewables in new and existing buildings."
1) An interim target of 5% in 2015 has been introduced, Of this, a minimum proportion must come from non-food or –feed fuels, including those from biomass and electricity or hydrogen produced from renewables (20% or 1 out of the 5% target).
Of the 10% target for renewable transport fuels in 2020, a minimum proportion must come from non-food or –feed fuels, including those from biomass and electricity or hydrogen produced from renewables (40% or 4 out of the 10% target).
2) Among other improvements, the committee has stipulated that fuels from biomass must achieve a greenhouse gas saving of at least 45% compared with conventional fuels. This saving will rise to 60% in 2015.
Indirect land use should also be taken account of, while social criteria have also been included.
