EU on track to meet renewable energy target

Figures released today show that the EU is on track to exceed its target of 20% renewable energy consumption by 2020.

This seen as a vital element of the EU's overall goal of reducing greenhouse emissions by 20% by 2020.

Today's projection put renewable fuel consumption at 20.3% in 10 years. If the overall reduction target is met, the green economy could generate in excess of 2.8 million new jobs.

The figures also show that Ireland is set to meet its goal of a 16% use of renewable energy by 2020.

"These forecasts show that Member States take renewable energy very seriously and are really dedicated to push their domestic production," said Günther Oettinger, European Commissioner for Energy.

"It is an important milestone in the achievement of the goals set in the Europe 2020 Strategy.

"This is a very positive sign for the environment, as it will help us to cut CO2 emissions and at the same time enhance our energy security. It is also a very positive message for our economy and our companies.

"It is an incentive to invest in green technology and the production of renewable energy. Our task will be to help all member states not only to reach the 20% target, but to go beyond."

The study found that 10 out of 27 EU Member States are likely to exceed their national targets for renewable energy, with a further 12 set to meet their goals domestically.

Five Member States are currently expected to miss their target with domestic sources only.

According to the Renewable Energy Directive (2009/28/EC), those Member States which consider that they cannot reach their targets with domestic resources alone, must either acquire transfers from other Member States or countries outside the EU.