Ambitious renewables target to save EU billions

Maria van der Hoeven, Executive Director of the IEA has expressed the organisation’s support for an EU renewable energy target for 2030. In turn this would reduce policy risk and “bring down costs and put us on the path we want to be on.” Hoeven spoke at the European Wind Energy Association’s 2014 annual event in Barcelona.

She did warn however that a governance system would need to be implemented to ensure countries contribute towards efficiency. Alternatively national targets need to exist.

Portugal’s secretary of state for energy, Artur Trindade, has described how Portugal has in the past reached 90% of its power from wind energy. He said:

“What do you think happens? The answer is “nothing! No-one notices, nothing changes. There are high levels of wind energy regularly in the Portuguese power system without an issue.” Enercon Managing Director and EWEA 2014 Conference Chair, Hans-Dieter Kettwig warned that there is a dangerous regulatory instability for renewables in Spain. As a result he has asked for the Spanish government to “break down the walls in your land and in your head and restore a stable framework.” EWEA president, Andrew Garrad has said that renewable energy targets are needed for 2030 as wind energy brings energy security.