Brussels, 05/01/2011 (Agence Europe) - The European Union has set itself the goal of reaching 20% of its gross final energy consumption from renewable sources by 2020. This target is set to be attained, according to the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA), which has published the results of its analysis of the 27 national renewable energy action plans submitted to the European Commission by member states. “Taken together, the action plans show that the EU27 will meet 20.7% of its 2020 energy consumption from renewables”, said Justin Wilkes, EWEA Policy Director.
According to the EWEA, national action plans show that 34% of electricity demand in the EU will be met by renewables in 2020. Wind energy will generate 14% of Europe's total electricity demand in 2020 (compared to 4.2% in 2009), more than any other renewable source. Ireland will be the country with the highest wind energy penetration level at 36.4% of its total electricity demand, followed by Denmark at 31%.
Fifteen member states plan to exceed their national target, led by Bulgaria (at +2.8% above their target), Spain (+2.7%), Greece (2.2%), Hungary (+1.7%) and Germany (+1.6%). Ten member states will meet their national target, and just two member states, Luxembourg (-2.1%) and Italy (-0.9%), have informed the European Commission that they envisage using the cooperation mechanisms to meet their national targets.
The 34% of EU electricity demand met by renewables in 2020 is made up of 14.1% from wind energy (10% onshore, 4% offshore), 10.5% from hydro, 6.6% from biomass, 2.7% from solar photovoltaic, 0.5% from CSP (concentrated solar power), 0.3% from geothermal and 0.1% from ocean. (Com-O.L./transl.jl)