Press Release: Commission proposes to increase significantly renewable energy sources in electricity production

The European Commission adopted 10.5.00 a proposal for a directive on the promotion of electricity from renewable energy sources in the internal electricity market. This proposal aims to contribute to achieve the Kyoto commitments and reach the objective of doubling the share of renewable energy of the gross inland energy consumption, from at present 6% to 12% in 2010. With this directive, the European Commission calls for governments of the European Union (EU) and European energy industry to commit themselves to increase the use of renewable energy sources in electricity production. It also establishes a regulatory European framework that will leave intact the existing support schemes, which proved their worth in the Member States. However, on the basis of the experience gained, the Commission will have to make a proposal for a Community wide system within 5 years.