EU finalises 20% renewable energy target
The EU reached a deal on 9 December on the renewable energy targets it will adopt under its climate change action plan.
A spokeswoman for the European Parliament confirmed that a preliminary deal had been reached between parliament and the European Council of member states that would retain the proposed target of ensuring renewable energy makes up 20% of the union's energy mix by 2020.
Initially Italy had argued that its target was unreachably high. A review clause was granted and the nation accepted a re-wording of the proposed clause.
The agreement follows a similar compromise on new carbon emission standards for cars in early December, and significantly increases the likelihood of the legislation being finalised before the end of the French EU presidency at the end of the year.
Reports are circulating that the legislation will feature a new clause that will allow member states to review how the targets are shared out in 2014, which could mean greater emphasis on the production of biofuels.
A spokeswoman for the European Parliament confirmed that a preliminary deal had been reached between parliament and the European Council of member states that would retain the proposed target of ensuring renewable energy makes up 20% of the union's energy mix by 2020.
Initially Italy had argued that its target was unreachably high. A review clause was granted and the nation accepted a re-wording of the proposed clause.
The agreement follows a similar compromise on new carbon emission standards for cars in early December, and significantly increases the likelihood of the legislation being finalised before the end of the French EU presidency at the end of the year.
Reports are circulating that the legislation will feature a new clause that will allow member states to review how the targets are shared out in 2014, which could mean greater emphasis on the production of biofuels.
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