Dempsey welcomes Eu biofuel targets

Minister for Communications, Marine & Natural Resources Noel Dempsey has welcomed the new biofuel targets set today at a European Energy Council Meeting in Brussels.

The Council has decided to mandate Member States to provide 10% of their road transport fuels in the form of biofuel by 2020.

Speaking after the conclusion of the Energy Council Meeting Minister Dempsey stated: "I am very pleased that the target set today is binding. It is a welcome further step towards getting countries on the sustainable energy path. Ireland has already committed to reaching a 5.75% biofuel target by 2009 and meeting or exceeding the EU's 10% 2020 target by continuing to promote the development and use of biofuels."

Minister Dempsey told the Energy Council that Europe should concentrate as a whole on mobilising around renewable and energy efficiency technologies and cleaner fossil fuel technologies for the transport, electricity and heat sectors. If this was done Europe could lead the World on Ocean, offshore and onshore Wind and Solar Energy as well as on clean coal technology.

"Member States must, individually and collectively, rise to the energy challenge in the interests of all citizens and global sustainability. There are huge challenges. They require Europe to deliver on a daunting but necessary agenda, starting now and for the next decade and beyond. Today's initiative is just one step in going forward and delivering this sustainable and secure energy future for Europe," he continued.

"For our part in Ireland we will continue to encourage the use of renewable and sustainable technologies at every level in society. In this regard I would like to particularly welcome the recent initiative by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council that they are encouraging more sustainable development through increasing the use of renewable energy and improved energy efficiency in all their new building developments. I look forward to many more similar initiatives," concluded Minister Dempsey.