MEP report endorses Commission's renewable energy plans
At a European Parliament plenary session on 15 November, MEP Mechtild Rothe will report on the first reading of a Commission proposal on the promotion of electricity from renewable energy sources in the internal energy market. The proposal contributes to the target of doubling the share of renewable energy in energy consumption by 2010. Mrs Rothe supports the Commission view that it is advisable to give the national energy systems the opportunity, over the next few years, of proving their success in terms of EU targets, rather than imposing a standard EU system. She emphasises that, in order to achieve a clear share of burdens, national targets should be co-ordinated and differentiated by type of technology. Member States should make a commitment to achieving these targets. There should also be a 10 year transition period after the coming into force of the directive during which existing schemes would be allowed to operate, according to Mrs Rothe. The objectives for consumption should be compulsory, she says, and there should be binding national minimum targets for future consumption of electricity from renewable energy sources. Mrs Rothe is tabling a series of amendments that reflect these views.