EREC welcomes Renewable Energy Directive proposed by European Commission

EREC welcomes the Renewable Energy Directive proposed by the European Commission. The Directive will be - with further improvements - a major tool for a sustainable market development of the renewable energy sector and for reaching the 20% target

The European Renewable Energy Council- representing the European renewable energy industry, trade and research associations- welcomes the directive proposal on renewable energy released today by the European Commission: The proposal will – when further improved during the legislative process- be a major tool for reaching the 20% target, for developing in a sustainable way the renewable energy sector, thereby enhancing our security of supply, reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and creating jobs in the European Union .

“The European Commission drafted a coherent proposal addressing all renewable energy sectors”, said EREC President Arthouros Zervos. “The long awaited Directive contains the necessary elements which should help meet the 20% target. Now we expect the Member States and the Parliament to further improve the legislative document and agree on the directive this year since time is running out. We hope that all parties will stick to their commitments to make this happen. The whole world is watching us. It is up to us to prove the EU is serious and efficient in guaranteeing affordable and clean energy supply to its citizens”, adds EREC’s President.

“If clarified and improved by the European Parliament and the Council, the Directive will go a long way to enable the European renewable energy industry to develop and to achieve the 2020 renewables target”, said Prof. Zervos. “The race for meeting the targets has already started; we warmly invite all national and local authorities not to wait until the Directive enters into force: national support schemes should be strengthened immediately.”

EREC, the European Renewable Energy Council, is the umbrella organisation of the major European renewable energy industry, trade and research associations active in the field of photovoltaics, small hydropower, solar thermal, bioenergy, ocean & marine, geothermal, wind energy and biofuels. It represents an industry with an annual turnover of more than EUR 30 billion and more than 350,000 employees.