The resolution says the EU should try to achieve a share of renewables in the overall energy mix greater than the European Commission's current working assumption of 30%. This text was passed by a narrow majority (339-336, with 19 abstentions).
However, a proposal that this target should be set between 40% and 45% failed, with 365 votes against to 284 in favour.
‘A starting point’
"This resolution is a starting point for future debates," said German MEP Herbert Reul (EPP), who steered the resolution through Parliament.
"Renewable energy support needs to be seen from an EU perspective. We need to talk about how we are going to shape our climate policy after 2020 overall," Reul said in a statement.
MEPs argue that it is essential to move the debate about a suitable EU system of support for renewable energy after 2020. A long-term integrated strategy for promoting renewables at EU level should take account of the wide variety of support schemes now in place in the member states, as well as of regional and geographical differences, the text says.
Speaking on behalf of the promoters of an ambitious target for renewables, Irish MEP Jill Evans (Greens/EFA) expressed her disappointment with the adopted text. "I regret the failure of the European Parliament to set more ambitious, binding targets. Sourcing 40-45% of our energy from renewable sources by 2030 is perfectly feasible, and we should be aiming higher,” she said in a statement.
Evans said she hoped that the European Commission would take on board more ambitious renewable targets in its proposals on climate and energy. The current working assumption of the EU executive is that the share of renewable energy in 2030 should be of 30%.
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