EU Parliament’s 2030 Targets Could Reduce Emissions Up to 54 Pct

The resolution of the European Parliament of 5th February 2014, supporting a 30% share of renewables in final energy consumption by 2030 and a 40% energy savings target (“30%/40% target”) is likely to lead to greenhouse gas emission reductions in 2030 in the range between 45% and 54% compared to 1990 levels.

This is estimated by Ecofys commissioned by Friends of the Earth. The resolution itself states a minimum greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 40%, compared to 1990 levels.

Earlier, the European Commission had made a proposal for supporting a 27% share of renewables in final energy consumption and 25% energy savings and at least 40% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030. These targets were labeled as non-ambitious by the industry, but the EU Parliament’s support gave another push forward to the renewables.

Press release, February 19, 2014; Image: europarl