April 2, 2007
U.K.

EU targets hit UK energy strategy

Britain’s energy plans have been thrown into disarray by ambitious European Union targets, the BBC has learned.

Ministers had intended to aim to produce 20% of Britain’s electricity from renewable sources by 2020.

But a recently-published EU strategy demands that 20% of all energy should come from such sources – four times more renewables than the UK intended.

BBC environment correspondent Roger Harrabin said a forthcoming white paper will cover over the policy gaps.

Exact share

The government will flesh out more detailed ideas when the legislation is proposed in the autumn, our correspondent said.

The UK’s exact share of the EU’s energy obligation is still being debated.

Renewable energy sources include wind and solar power and it is hoped that promoting them will help cut greenhouse gases.

Under the EU’s strategy, these will have to meet 20% of all energy, including fuel for cars, heating, domestic aviation and industry.

2 April 2007