New energy and climate package for Europe: The European Commission leads the way towards a massive expansion of wind power

Today’s Commission proposal for 20% renewable energy by 2020 paves the way for a massive expansion of wind energy in the 27 Member States and a new energy future for Europe. It proposes a stable and flexible EU framework in which Member States keep control of their renewable energy policies through successful national support systems. In addition, cross-border transfer of guarantees of origin can only take place where Member States have met or exceeded their interim targets. For the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA), these two elements are crucial for maintaining investor confidence and encouraging substantial investments in green electricity.

“The European Commission has today provided a powerful response to the imminent energy and climate crisis. By introducing a voluntary trading mechanism, controlled by Member States, the proposal maintains market stability, increases investor confidence and will help Member States to reach their ambitious, yet achievable, targets” said Christian Kjaer, EWEA Chief Executive.

“The target implies that renewable energy’s share of electricity will increase from 15% today to more than a third of Europe’s demand in 2020. Wind energy will be the biggest contributor to that massive increase in clean electricity production”, Kjaer added.

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