Latest developments from the EU

摘要

Despite having set a clear goal of ensuring 20% of the European Union's (EU) energy consumption is drawn from green sources-such as biogas and biofuels-the European Commission (EC) has said that more money and resources must be wheeled into action, writes Keith Nuthall. This is the claim in a long-awaited policy paper from EU Energy Commissioner Gunther Oettinger, assessing the Renewable Energy Directive. His new communication on the topic says member states must stick to the renewable energy plans already required by the Directive, and ensure they double annual capital investments in renewable energy from ?35bn/y to ?70bn. Oettinger said: 'We have to invest much more in renewable energy and we need smart, cost-effective financing.' The European Environment Agency (EEA) says that if member states stick to their existing plans, the EU will exceed its 20% renewable energy target by 0.7%.