The Commission has presented its proposal for a common EU climate and energy policy up to 2030. The proposal sets out a binding objective of 40% reduction in CO
2 emissions and a binding renewable energy target of 27% for the EU as a whole towards 2030. The Commission also signals that
energy efficiency will continue to play a significant role in the future and proposes a change to the European Emissions Trading System (ETS) by establishing a market stability reserve.
Reactions to the EU proposal
- The Danish
Minister for Climate, Energy & Building Martin Lidegaard welcomes the European Commission’s proposal for a reduction of CO
2 emissions by 40% and also finds it positive that the Commission has set out a binding target for renewable energy – though this target could have been more ambitious:
"The goal of 40% CO
2 reduction ensures that the EU maintains an ambitious climate and energy policy for the benefit of businesses and individuals. Such a target will ensure a stable framework for the investments they make. It signifies that Europe is reducing its dependence on imported fossil fuels and it will ensure that the EU can credibly engage in the global climate negotiations in Paris in 2015," says Martin Lidegaard.
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The Danish Energy Association calls the proposal an ‘ambitious political compromise’ and a ‘positive result’ according to Director of European Affairs Ulrich Bang:
“It is an ambitious compromise that the Commission has proposed. We see the strong, binding CO
2 target of 40% as emphasising the wish that Europe continues to be ahead with ambitious climate and energy targets. From a Danish perspective this is important because a strong CO
2 target and a robust CO
2 quota system is pivotal to the transition of the Europe’s energy system, says Ulrich Bang.
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The Confederation of Danish Industry (DI) is positive about the proposal and according to Deputy Director General Tine Roed it can form the basis of an ambitious plan for Europe’s green transition while also securing that the green transition becomes more market-based and cost-effective in a time where the EU is challenged by high energy costs:
"Our member companies demand an ambitious energy and climate policy that pays equal respect to our climate, our security of supply and our competitiveness. That is why we recommend a leading climate target of 40%, which can be supplemented by other targets that support a balanced and ambitious green transition. We are very pleased with the proposal from the Commission, which delivers a number of thorough analyses of the challenges we face", says Tine Roed.
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The Danish Wind Industry Association finds it important that the binding target for renewable energy is in place but according to CEO Jan Hylleberg, the target figures should be more ambitious:
“It is encouraging that the proposal includes a binding target for renewable target. However, 27% is far from being ambitious enough and will actually lead to a slowdown of the expansion rate in the EU. The Commission has previously concluded that 30% is a reasonable level, which is socio-economically cost-effective and respects the long term requirements towards 2050”, says Jan Hylleberg.
Negotiations on the EU’s climate and energy policy up to 2030 begin immedialy. The plan is that the European Heads of State and Governments will be able to reach an agreement on the 2030 objectives during spring of this year.
Sources: Ministry of Climate, Energy and Building / Danish Energy Agency / Confederation of Danish Industry / Danish Wind Industry Association
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