European renewable energy can deliver more than 20 per cent, EREC report

19 November 2008

The European Renewable Energy Council (EREC) has launched its Technology Roadmap showing a way to reach the 20 per cent renewable energy share in final energy consumption by 2020.

The estimates given by the renewable energy industry are based on a feasible annual growth scenario for the different technologies. Some renewable energy sectors have developed much more ambitious projections showing that the European renewable energy industry could deliver much more than 20 per cent, according to a statement.

Professor Arthouros Zervos, president, EREC, said, ‘The industry is ready to deliver the necessary technologies. We can deliver between 33 and 40 per cent of Europe’s electricity needs by 2020, depending on the energy efficiency achievements, a share of 25 per cent of heat from renewable energy sources and 10 ten per cent biofuels by 2020.’

According to EREC, clean industry and investment offer high quality, long-term profits and returns. Thus, the current financial turmoil is not a justification for delaying action on climate change, but rather an opportunity to address both the financial and climate change crises the world faces.

Christine Lins, secretary general, EREC, added, ‘What we need is a new economic paradigm. Business as usual is not an option anymore. The fight between environmental protection and economic development is over. We need to create sustainable markets for the future, a new green deal as a basis for a prosperous European economy.’

EREC and its members assume that a 20 per cent share of renewable energy in final energy consumption by 2020 is a realistic target for the EU under the condition that certain policy developments will occur and a continuation of the existing policy instruments are ensured. However, this will require that all EU member states develop their RES potential and invest in these promising technologies for the future, the organisation said.

According to EREC, the development of all existing renewable energy sources and a balanced mix of the deployment in the sectors of heating and cooling, electricity and biofuels will guarantee the start of a real sustainable energy mix for Europe. The long-term stable framework is key for future development.

Zervos said, ‘The announcement of the 20/20/20 goals in March 2007 by the heads of states and governments of the 27 EU Member States was a first and important step in recognising the need for a substantial shift towards a more sustainable energy system. Now it is high time to take the second step: Implement the necessary legislation and tools to make the announced goals a reality and prove Europe’s credibility and responsibility. The Renewable Energy Directive needs to be adopted as quickly as possible.’

EREC is the umbrella organisation of the European renewable energy industry, trade and research associations active in the field of photovoltaics, small hydropower, solar thermal, bioenergy, ocean & marine, geothermal, wind energy and biofuels.

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Tags: Europe, renewable energy

This story was published on Wednesday, November 19th, 2008 at 1:02 pm and is filed under Europe, energy efficiency, policy. You can follow any responses to article entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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