EU emissions targets eclipse renewables goal

The EU has unveiled new targets that could help in the global fight against climate change. New energy targets that aim to cut the emissions of greenhouse gases by 40 per cent by 2030, when compared to levels recorded in 1990, have been revealed. The new reductions targets extends current emissions goals, which hope to see EU member states reduce emissions by 20 per cent by 2020.

While the emissions targets could help to reduce air pollution and the effects of climate change, the new EU mandates do not include targets for the increase of renewable energy technology use. This means that EU member states are under no obligation to increase the amount of energy that is generated from renewable sources, such as solar or wind. 

The lack of renewable energy targets is a win for many EU countries, including the UK, who petitioned for an end to stringent renewable targets in favour of a stricter target for the reduction of emissions. Instead of individual renewable targets for member states, the EU has proposed issuing an overall 27 per cent goal for the increase of renewables by 2030, however, this would be up to each individual country as to how the target is met. 

Drilling for natural shale gas has also been given the go ahead by the proposals. The use of hydraulic fracturing - fracking - for gas has become a controversial topic as many individuals and organisations grow more concerned over the effect that such practices could have on the environment. The UK also pushed for the green light on fracking, despite a large number of protests by those concerned about possible water pollution, earthquakes and other possible results of fracking.

Many organisations within the renewable sector have been left disappointed by the lack of a definitive renewable target. It is thought by many, that by building on previous goals for the use of green energy, the EU would have been sending a signal that the industry is still viable. It is possible that the lack of stringent goals for green energy could reduce confidence in the renewable market, which has been a key factor in the increased take-up of such technologies in recent years.