Several Ministers met earlier this week at an informal Energy Council meeting in Nicosia. In response, the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) warned that their credibility was at risk if they debated future renewable energy policy without considering a new 2030 European Union (EU) Renewable Energy target. The discussion was not on the group’s agenda.

“There is no point debating future renewable energy policy without discussing a 2030 target,” warned Stephane Bourgeois, Head of Regulatory Affairs at EWEA in Brussels. “It makes no sense to ignore the one policy that has worked most successfully up to now. Ministers should recognise the benefits of such a target.”

The European Commission has released information about its Renewable Energy Strategy. The accompanying impact assessment was believed to support a 2030 Renewable energy target. This, the strategy outlined, would create more economic activity, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and create more innovation and competition across the European technology sector.

Bourgeois added, “an EU renewables policy cannot be based only on emission reductions and decarbonisation, as some ministers might wish. Only by enabling investment in renewables can the EU cut the cost of fuel imports and be sure to create European jobs.”