Brussels, 25/06/2014 (Agence Europe) - Ambitious energy efficiency and renewables targets for the period up to 2030 could help reduce EU energy imports by 45% compared to what we can expect from European Commission proposals according to a report published on 25 June by Greenpeace. This report, A roadmap for Europe - towards a sustainable and independent energy supply has been deliberately published in the run-up to the European Council due to debate the draft strategy for energy security and examine the progress made on key elements in the climate/energy action framework between 2020-2030 (see EUROPE 1105 and 11104).
It shows that a 45% share of renewables, 40% of energy savings (compared to 2005 levels) and a 55% reduction in emissions would lead to a 35% reduction in imports of gas and a reduction of 45% in oil imports. Coal imports would be halted before the end of the next decade.
Sven Test, one of the authors of the report, argued that “every euro spent on renewables is an investment in the security of supply and job security. A combination of renewable energies and more energy savings is not only good for the climate but also the best recipe for improving the EU's energy security”.
The report is based on research by the German Thermodynamic Techniques Institute (DLR) and develops two different energy scenarios. One is based on the Commission's proposal (a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a 27% target for renewables) and the other on a more ambitious policy framework. While it is generally believed that the Commission will propose an indicative target of 27% in energy savings, Greenpeace is emphasising that this will be insufficient. In a letter sent to the European Commission last week, seven member states (Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg and Portugal) called on the Commission to propose a binding and ambitious energy efficiency target. Parliament has called for an energy efficiency target of 40%. (AN)