EU eyes 40 per cent carbon cuts by 2030

[bananas]

Source: Business Green

The European Union has today proposed a new package of carbon and renewable energy targets for 2030 that could see the bloc impose a 40 per cent carbon reduction target.

Policy papers unveiled today that seek to drive action on carbon reduction, the development of renewable energy, and carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology also detail plans for a 30 per cent energy share target for renewables.

Speaking to reporters today, Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger said the proposals were designed to provide investor confidence to businesses and help strengthen the EU's position in global climate talks.

"2020 was yesterday for investors in the energy sector... and 2030 is tomorrow," he said. "We want to make sure that industry and investors will get clarity through this green paper on how we will go forward after 2020."

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Read more: http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/2257824/eu-eyes-40-per-cent-carbon-cuts-by-2030

[bananas]

1. pdf and article at Bellona

Bellona has a copy of the pdf for download:

"Green paper on 2030 climate and energy framework (0.11MB)"
http://www.bellona.org/filearchive/fil_greenpaper2030.pdf


Bellona also has an article about it: http://www.bellona.org/articles/articles_2013/1364407764.99

EU launches broad discussion on energy and climate policy goals for 2030

The European Commission published today, Wednesday 27 March, the Green paper entitled “A 2030 framework for energy and climate policies”. This is a long awaited discussion on post-2020 climate and energy framework – leading up to a white paper with concrete policy and legislative proposals towards the end of the year.

The Green paper shows a great degree of openness in the upcoming discussions – the Commission takes an honest look at the deficiencies of current framework and seeks stakeholders’ input on most of relevant possible solutions.

“This document is a great point of departure for us,” says Paal Frisvold, Chairman of the Board, Bellona Europa. “Sectoral targets, incentives parallel to ETS, additional support measures for demonstrating CCS, continuation of NER300 programme, measures to prevent carbon leakage – all these options are highlighted and consulted upon in the questions’ section of the draft. We are looking forward to participate in public consultations and contribute to finding new and effective solutions.”

Breakthrough: acknowledgement of need for parallel incentives to ETS

Bellona welcomes the fact that the Commission acknowledges that the ETS has not succeeded in being a sufficient driver for low carbon investments. The large surplus of allowances caused by the economic crisis are reflected in low carbon prices, which are not providing emitters with sufficient incentive to invest and increase the risk of carbon lock-in.

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[ReRe]

2. Alrighty then! Where's that old competitive spirit, U.S.A.?

Remember back there in the cold war (1958?) when USSR sent up Sputnik? That lit a fire under our butts, didn't it? And JFK's promise to put a man on the moon by the end of the decade ('60s.) We should look at this as a carbon reduction contest. Oops... I forgot. We're on a race to the bottom.

I can't seem to get that into my thick skull.

[AverageJoe90]

3. Thanks, bananas. Good stuff. n/t