Implementing 20% renewable energy by 2020 – What is needed to make it happen?

8May
2011

Speaker: Dr. Winfried Hoffmann, President of EPIA & Director of EREC

On 9th March 2007, Europe’s Heads of States agreed to a binding target of 20 % renewable energy by 2020. This decision gives a strong signal for Europe’s future energy policy as well as for the further development of the European renewable energy industry, already a leader in many technology areas. 
  
However, the setting of an ambitious target does not automatically deliver the results. It is the start of a legislative process in which a clear strategy is needed to achieve the goals.

How should the goal of 20% renewables by 2020 be translated into different binding national targets? What legislative frameworks are needed to reach these targets? Which promotional approach will need to be implemented and how will we deal with and respect each different sector of renewable energy (heating/cooling, electricity and biofuels)?

The purpose of this event was to debate these questions and the strategy that is needed to make the 20 % renewable energy commitment of Europe’s Heads of States a reality.