EU invests to 'engage' with renewable energy

EU Renewable Energy

The biggest obstacle to Europe's renewable energy ambitions, and to it meeting the target of 20 percent of power produced from clean sources by the year 2020, is the lack of awareness and knowledge among European society. That's why the European Union have pledged to spend 56 million euros on "engaging" all levels of society to support renewable energy.

Günther Oettinger, the EU Commissioner for Energy, in his keynote speech at the European Sustainable Energy Week, said: "Creating a sustainable economy is as challenging as ever.

"As Energy Commissioner, I will push for the policies and programmes which Europe needs to make the transition to deliver its commitments by 2020. In parallel, the stage for large levels of decarbonisation by 2050 will also be set without delay," he noted.

The European Union has made a "clear commitment to increase the share of renewable energy and reach 20 percent in the final energy consumption by 2020," he added. As reported by NG Power & Energy EU last week, documents submitted by member countries indicate that the EU should surpass its goal, however further progress and needed and expected.

A more competitive energy market

"We must engage all levels of society" and the Intelligent Energy funding programme will make 56 million euros available for applicants. There is also an urgent need to reduce legislative barriers to development of renewable energy projects and the needed infrastructure and technology

"We have to introduce new criteria in the development of the electricity network; we will need smart grids, but also strong long-distance power transmission and new interconnectors.

"Energy efficiency is the most cost effective method to improve energy security," he added. "Many investments into lighting efficiency, appliance efficiency and insulation of existing buildings pay off within a few years."

There are also detailed plans afoot to make the European renewable energy market more competitive.

Energy policy to 2050

Renewable Energy Focus reports how everyone is in agreement that investments in technology development must be raised, from the current 3 billion euros per year to 8 billion, and Oettinger's directorate has started work on the long-term vision for energy policy to 2050.

"This is not as far distant as it sounds if we take into account the long time lag between energy planning and implementation. We will need bold and momentous changes, which will affect the lives of everyone," Oettinger explained.

"Our goals are ambitious but achievable as examples are showing. Despite the unsatisfactory outcome in Copenhagen and the difficult economic situation, Europe has to continue to pursue proactive and visionary policies on energy efficiency and renewable energy. This is not only about reducing fuel bills, it is about our competitiveness and our jobs," he concluded.

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Daniel Jones

Daniel is a Politics and Philosophy graduate from Cardiff University where he also worked as a section editor on the award winning student newspaper. After university he joined an IT support company where he was a B2B online writer. He loves anything to do with sport and joined GDS in July 2009.

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