By Anne-France White - 8th January 2007
The European commission is about to launch a three-year EU energy plan in a bid to cut emissions by 20 per cent by 2020.
Brussels says its plan is “the most important and ambitious energy package it has ever presented” and will spark a “new industrial revolution”.
The paper – seen by theparliament.com – warns starkly that with CO2 emissions continuing to increase, “the EU’s present energy policy is not sustainable”.
It will be presented on 10 January by commission president Jose Manuel Barroso and energy commissioner Andris Piebalgs.
“The point of departure for a common energy policy must be combating climate change, promoting jobs and growth and limiting the EU’s external vulnerability to imported hydrocarbons,” the paper says.
It lists a series of steps which it says are necessary to achieve this – EU leaders are to debate the proposals in March.
The measures include stronger targets for energy efficiency, a boost in renewable energy, and more research into low-carbon technologies.
Brussels also wants to crack down on national energy monopolies, separate production from distribution and complete the internal market for energy.
One of the most controversial elements is likely to be the target for cutting CO2 emissions by 2020.
Environment commissioner Stavros Dimas had proposed cutting emissions by 30 per cent by 2020, but industry commissioner Günter Verheugen has spoken out in favour of a less stringent 15 per cent cut.
The compromise is likely to be a proposal for a 20 per cent cut by 2020.
The emissions aspect will be developed in more detail in the commission’s communication on climate change policy options for 2020, which is to be presented on 10 January alongside the energy package.
The paper will set out measures for fighting climate change after 2012, when the Kyoto Protocol targets expire.
Meanwhile a survey released Monday by the commission shows that 60 per cent of EU citizens think energy research should be a priority for the EU – something which is also listed as a priority in the draft Energy Package.
The Eurobarometer survey also shows that Europeans are very positive about renewable energies, with many respondents expecting to see fossil fuels replaced by renewable energy in future.
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