Energy Saving News
EU Energy Efficiency Legislation Possible
THE European Union (EU) may need new legislation to produce the required long term reductions for carbon emissions, so stated the European Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger yesterday during the annual Greenpeace energy revolution roadmap.
Oettinger did not advocate any new specific legislation, only hinting that the EU could bring in laws on energy efficiency if current CO2 reduction targets prove to falter and progress downwards too slowly.
“We would prefer to reach our 2020 targets under the member states, but if no progress is being made, then we need more and stronger European legislation,” said Oettinger.
He also mentioned that a review process will start in 2012, adding that a decarbonised future is only possible if both economic and environmental factors prove possible, for this to be viable market barriers need to be stripped away and a secure infrastructure has to be put in place.
The upcoming energy roadmap, due next spring, is an opportunity for all interested parties to work together on finding solutions,
Oettinger said regarding the energy roadmap, due next spring, “It will not just be an academic exercise.”
Greenpeace and the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC) produced the document in cooperation, which suggests 97% of Europe’s electricity could come from renewable sources in 2050.
Oettinger, encouraged by the findings, said he wouldn’t fully give his backing to the conclusions of the report.
“The energy mix is a member state competence. In a technical and financial sense it is good, but in a political sense, let’s see,” concluded Oettinger.
Picture by jepoirrier
Friday 9th July 2010
