By RTCC staff
The European Parliament has voted in favour of setting a binding renewable energy target for 2030.
No decision appears to have been made on what a new target could be.
The current target requiring member states to generate 20% of energy from renewables runs out in 2020.
Poland, Germany and the UK had all voiced their concerns over the effect a renewable energy target would have on industry over the past few weeks.
A 2030 renewable energy target is supported by Climate Action Commissioner Hedegaard. Minutes after the vote she wrote on Twitter: Applause to EP for getting support from so many to back low-carbon roadmap. EP asks EU to move on. Special thanks to MEPs (Chris) Davies and (Mario) Pirillo”.
The Parliament’s vote was part of the Davies report on the 2050 low carbon economy roadmap.
The European Parliament also voted in favour of calling on the Commission to correct the failings of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), possibly through a set-aside of allowances.
It is not to be confused with another EU ’20 by 2020′ target, which relates to emissions.
The UK’s Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Ed Davey says he is committed to seeing this particular target increased to 30%.
“The Parliament’s vote sends a strong message to the European Council as it prepares its response to the European Commission’s Energy Roadmap 2050”, Stephane Bourgeois, Head of Regulatory Affairs at the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) said.
“Ministers should take heed of the European Parliament and endorse a binding renewables target for 2030.
“Binding targets for renewables are proven to be effective, and targets for 2030 would continue to drive European industry, boost energy security and are key in tackling climate change”.