EWEA: The European Energy
Security Strategy, published today, shows that policymakers have opted to swap
dependency on Russia for unstable regions in the Middle East and North Africa,
while largely neglecting increased production of renewables as a key option for
energy independence.
The Commission
has ignored its own 2030 Climate and Energy Impact Assessment published in
January.
The assessment
cites that a 30% renewables target for 2030, together with higher energy
efficiency, would cut Europe's reliance on gas imports by almost three times as
much as the current proposal for 27%.
Justin Wilkes,
deputy chief executive officer of the European Wind Energy Association, said:
"The report from the Commission does not outline how Europe can reduce its
energy dependence on external sources; instead it focuses on severing the
reliance on Russia by shifting the dependence elsewhere."
Wilkes added: "In
the first half of 2014, we have seen Ukraine fall into disarray and an IPCC
report warning that investment in renewables is needed to avoid a climate
catastrophe. Circumstance has forced Europe's leaders into a rethink. Now they
must act to ensure the region's energy security for years to come."
"It is imperative
that we make the switch over to renewables, particularly wind, sooner rather
than later. Heads of State can start down that road by setting an ambitious 2030
renewables target that strives towards true energy security and independence,"
he said.
A 30% renewables
target would save Europe an extra EUR260 billion in fossil fuel imports.
Europe's wind industry is calling for a target of at least 30%, to be
enforceable at national level.
This would spur
green growth, create more jobs and attract investment while maintaining Europe's
position as a global leader in wind energy.