Europe To Exceed 20% Renewable Energy Goal by 2020
SustainableBusiness
The European Union is on track to exceed its target of meeting 20% ofits gross final energy consumption from renewable sources by 2020,according to the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA).
EWEA published its analysis of the 27 National Renewable Energy ActionPlans, submitted by the EU Member States to the European Commission.
“Taken together the Action Plans show that the EU-27 will meet 20.7% ofits 2020 energy consumption from renewables”, said Justin Wilkes, Policy Director of the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA).
The National Action Plans show that one third (34%) of EU electricity demand will be supplied from renewables by 2020.
Wind energy will generate 14% of Europe’s total electricity demand in2020 (494 TWh from 213 GW installed capacity), more than any otherrenewable source, up from 4.2% in 2009.
Ireland will be the country with the highest wind energy penetrationlevel at 36.4% of its total electricity demand, followed by Denmark at31%.
15 Member States plan to exceed their national target, led by Bulgariaat +2.8% above their target, Spain (+2.7%), Greece (+2.2%), Hungary(+1.7) and Germany (+1.6%).
10 Member States will meet their national target, and just two MemberStates, Luxembourg (-2.1%) and Italy (-0.9%), have informed the European Commission that they envisage using the cooperation mechanisms to meettheir national targets.
“It is very encouraging that 25 of the 27 EU countries intend to eitherexceed or meet their target” said Wilkes. “This shows the vast majorityof EU countries clearly understand the benefits of deploying renewableenergy technologies, particularly wind power.”
The 34% of EU electricity demand met by renewables in 2020 is made up of 14% from wind energy (10% onshore, 4% offshore), 10.5% from hydro,6.6% from biomass, 2.4% from solar photovoltaic, 0.5% from CSP, 0.3%from geothermal and 0.1% from ocean.
Website: www.ewea.org
Original Article on SustainableBusiness.com
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