UK Opposing EU Renewable Energy Targets

The UK is opposing the EU’s setting of green energy targets for 2030 according to a report from the European Commission, writes The Guardian.

The Czech Republic shares the same opinion with the UK regarding these renewable energy targets, while favoring the greenhouse gas emissions targets instead. They think that countries need to be able to decide on their own on which technologies they would want to use, said Ed Davey, UK Energy and Climate Secretary.

On the other hand, wind industry stakeholders together with Germany, Denmark, Austria and Finland would prefer renewable energy targets as they would encourage investments.

“The EU needs to show leadership here and set a 2030 renewable energy target as a matter of priority. It would send a crucial political signal on the continuing direction of travel away from fossil fuels to clean energy sources across Europe. If the EU were to fail to step up to the mark on this, it would be more difficult for renewable energy developers to attract much needed investment in their projects, as it would push up the cost of raising capital,” said Maf Smith, RenewableUK’s deputy chief executive.

Offshore WIND Staff, January 02, 2014; Image: bwe