Renewables

Our future

Climate change, energy security concerns and rising oil prices mean that we need to look towards renewable energy sources, including biomass, hydro, wind and solar power. If sustainably managed, these resources represent our future.
The European Union agreed the Directive on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources in December 2008. This requires that by 2020, 20% of the EU’s energy should be generated from renewable sources.

It is now important to make sure that energy production with renewables will really reduce environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation.

The EU has developed sustainability criteria for biofuels and bioliquids which are currently being implemented at national level.

Other safeguards for our environment are still missing.

 / ©: Nicolas Loran
By 2020, 20% of the EU's energy should be clean.
© Nicolas Loran