Renewables: The great uncertainty of the EU energy strategy

The Royal Institute for International Relations is an independent think-tank based in Brussels. Its interdisciplinary research is conducted in a spirit of total academic freedom. Drawing on the expertise of its own research fellows, as well as that of external specialists, both Belgian and foreign, it provides analysis and policy options that are meant to be as operational as possible.The development of renewable energy sources, or RES, has been an important aim of EU energy policy since the 90s. It accelerated with the adoption of a 1997 White Paper and the setting a decade later of a 20% renewable energy target, to be reached by 2020. The EU was counting on renewable energy for multiple purposes: to diversify its energy supply; to increase its security of supply; and to create new industries, jobs, economic growth and export opportunities, while at the same time reducing greenhouse gas, or GHG emissions. Many expectations rested on its development.

Fossil fuels have been critical to the development of industrial nations, including EU Member States, which became deeply reliant upon coal, oil and gas for nearly every aspect of their existence. Faced with some hard truths, however, the Member States begun to shelve fossil fuel. These hard truths were as follows: firstly, fossil fuels are a finite resource, sometimes difficult to extract. Secondly, fossil fuels contribute to climate change. Thirdly, Member States were suffering a decline in their own fossil fuel production. All these elements were endangering the competitiveness of Member States’ economies and their security of supply. Therefore, new indigenous sources of energy and a diversification of energy suppliers and routes to convey energy needed to be found.

To solve all these challenges, in 2008 the EU put in place a strategy based on three objectives: sustainability (reduction of GHG), competitiveness and security of supply. The adoption of a renewable energy policy was considered essential for reaching these three strategic objectives, and an objective of 20% renewable energy production by 2020 was set up.

ESO: Key Source: Website: Renewable energy in the EU http://www.europeansources.info/record/website-renewable-energy-in-the-eu/

ESO: Key Source: Website: Sustainable Energy http://www.europeansources.info/record/website-sustainable-energy/

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