Governments around the world should feel encouraged to also set up ambitious binding targets and effective implementation programmes  

Bonn/New Delhi (WWEA) – The European Council has agreed today that the European Union will increase the share of renewable energy to 20 % by the year 2020. The EU has adopted this share as a binding overall target for its member states.

Dr Anil Kane, President of the WWEA: “In light of the major challenges for mankind, mitigation of climate change and energy security, the European Union has sent an important signal today to the rest of the world by adopting a binding target for an increased use of renewable energies. We call upon all other governments around the world to feel encouraged by the EU’s step and also to immediately set up ambitious programmes for a rapid and accelerated deployment of renewable energy on a large scale. The political instruments which are most effective and efficient for the deployment of wind energy and other renewable energies are well known and the wind industry is ready to deliver its contributions to fulfilling such ambitious targets. WWEA and our members and partners will be happy to assist in the expansion of the utilisation of renewable energies within Europe, but also in other parts of the world.” 

Stefan Gsänger, Secretary General of the WWEA: “The EU decision will give an additional impetus to the very dynamic international wind energy markets which have already seen annual growth rates of 25 % in the past ten years. Europe aims at the leadership in renewable energies, which are the key technologies for the future, so further world regions should follow that competition for the best renewable technologies. Already today, the wind industry worldwide employs 300.000 people and contributes more than 1 % of the global electricity. With the right policies in place, this success story will continue all over the world.”