Arguably the most ambitious policy of the EU since the introduction of the euro in 2000, the EU commission is insisting on a total 20% of EU electricity consumption to come from renewable energy by 2020. Each member state has different targets to achieve  in order to make up the EU average of 20%, all offer dramatic industrial and investment opportunity.  

The stable demand for technology and the natural innovation that it brings is the basis of a new renewable market in the EU. And it doesn’t stop there – it also includes 10% consumption of renewables in transportation; this target is mandatory for everyone. As part of the broader climate package, 20% reduction in carbon emissions and energy consumption was also agreed. 

While support schemes are not specified, priority access for renewable energy must be legislated into national laws; ensuring capacity demand for renewable production.

What is striking about the EU directive is the level of detail for biofuels – it brings home that the EU is deadly serious about using its agricultural base to power its transportation. 

So this is ‘WHY’ there will be clean growth – because it has been agreed by the EU institutions. To find out ‘WHERE’ there will be clean growth, we turn to the National Renewable Action Plans and member states

Note: The EU directive has been agreed by the various EU institutions (commission, council, parliament) and awaits formal approval by the Council of Ministers before becoming EC law when published in its official journal, expected by the commission in March 2009.

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