“New Energy Strategy”

Binding target: Reduction of CO2 emissions by 20% by the year 2020

• By the year 2020, CO2 emissions are to be reduced throughout the EU by a fifth as compared with the year 1990
• Fundamental instrument: The use of renewable energies
• Reaching the target requires the production of 12% of electricity from wind

In the year 2007, the European Union passed its “New Energy Strategy” resolution. As a binding target, this specifies a reduction of 20% in greenhouse gases throughout the Union by 2020 as compared with the value for the year 1990. This will be implemented by means of the national action plans of the individual member states.

This ambitious climate target can only be reached by an increased use of renewable, climate friendly energy sources. Depending upon the national regulations, this will lead to a significant growth potential for the renewable energy sector. Overall, the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) expects that reaching the target will require a renewable energy proportion amounting to 34% of total EU electricity production. According to this, wind power will account for approximately 12% of the total EU electricity mix in the year 2020.