EWEA Welcomes EU Parliament’s Vote for Renewables Target

The European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) has commented on yesterday’s vote of the European Parliament in favour of ambitious climate and energy policy and its support for three binding 2030 targets for renewables, greenhouse gas reductions and energy efficiency in plenary.

“The European Parliament has again shown it is the most forward-thinking of the institutions. It has resisted lobbying from backward-looking organisations and voted on the basis of facts, namely that an ambitious renewables target can provide 570,000 more jobs, €500 billion in fossil fuel import savings, and lower energy costs for energy intensive industries,” said Stephane Bourgeois of the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA).

“This enlightened result is a kick in the teeth for the European Commission and its bloodless 2030 proposal published last month,” he pointed out. “Heads of State must pay heed to the MEPs and agree an ambitious mandate including a renewables target of at least 30% binding at national level in March.”

Press release, February 6, 2014; Image: EWEA