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EU reveals energy plan of action EU reveals energy plan of action
(40 minutes later)
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso has announced "historic" plans to make Europe "the first economy for the low-carbon age".European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso has announced "historic" plans to make Europe "the first economy for the low-carbon age".
He said Europeans wanted "a vision and a plan of action" against climate change and the measures would cost 3 euros (£2.10) a week for every citizen.He said Europeans wanted "a vision and a plan of action" against climate change and the measures would cost 3 euros (£2.10) a week for every citizen.
The aim would be a 20% cut in the EU's greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, which could rise to 30% with a global deal.The aim would be a 20% cut in the EU's greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, which could rise to 30% with a global deal.
He told the European Parliament there was a cost, "but it was manageable".He told the European Parliament there was a cost, "but it was manageable".
Mr Barroso said work had to be begun to cut global emissions in half by 2050 and he said Europe could lead the way.Mr Barroso said work had to be begun to cut global emissions in half by 2050 and he said Europe could lead the way.
Free emissionsFree emissions
Addressing business critics who have complained that the proposals might drive industry away from the European Union, the commission president said energy-intensive industries would be give emission allowances free of charge.Addressing business critics who have complained that the proposals might drive industry away from the European Union, the commission president said energy-intensive industries would be give emission allowances free of charge.
He told MEPs the package was "not in favour of the environment and against the economy".He told MEPs the package was "not in favour of the environment and against the economy".
If the proposal is not properly drafted, it could have a very damaging impact on our industry Philippe Varin, EuroferIf the proposal is not properly drafted, it could have a very damaging impact on our industry Philippe Varin, Eurofer
"We don't want to export our jobs to other parts of the world," he said."We don't want to export our jobs to other parts of the world," he said.
Environmental groups believe the commission should be planning for the higher target of 30%.Environmental groups believe the commission should be planning for the higher target of 30%.
"Scientists warn that a cut of at least 30% is required to prevent a climatic catastrophe," said Tony Juniper, director of Friends of the Earth UK."Scientists warn that a cut of at least 30% is required to prevent a climatic catastrophe," said Tony Juniper, director of Friends of the Earth UK.
"The solutions already exist. What we lack is political ambition and courage.""The solutions already exist. What we lack is political ambition and courage."
Central powersCentral powers
The commission's proposals would see the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) extended to include more industrial sectors in the years between 2012 and 2020. The commission's proposals would see the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) extended to include more industrial sectors in the years between 2013 and 2020.
Apart from a few exempt industries, the power sector would lose the right to free emission allocations and have to buy all its permits at auction from 2013. Aviation and other industries would move gradually to a full auction.
Companies' carbon allowances would be decided at European level, replacing the current system where nations submit bids to the commission.Companies' carbon allowances would be decided at European level, replacing the current system where nations submit bids to the commission.
EU'S 20/20/20 VISION: KEY AIMS AND POTENTIAL CHALLENGES AIM: reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020AIM: reduction in energy imports, saving money and increasing energy securityAIM: world leadership in renewable energy technologyCHALLENGE: government and companies may try to weaken their emissions targetsCHALLENGE: some countries likely to find renewables targets very ambitiousCHALLENGE: wrangles likely over technicalities of ETS The aim would be to reduce allowances so that by 2020, emissions from the sectors included would be about 21% below the level they were at when the ETS started in 2005. EU'S 20/20/20 VISION: KEY AIMS AND POTENTIAL CHALLENGES AIM: reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020AIM: reduction in energy imports, saving money and increasing energy securityAIM: world leadership in renewable energy technologyCHALLENGE: government and companies may try to weaken their emissions targetsCHALLENGE: some countries likely to find renewables targets very ambitiousCHALLENGE: wrangles likely over technicalities of ETS The aim would be to reduce allowances so that by 2020, emissions from the sectors included would be about 21% below the level they were when the ETS started in 2005.
For emissions not covered by the ETS, such as transport, buildings and agriculture, the EU would set national targets. Richer nations would receive tougher targets; the poorest would be allowed to increase emissions. For emissions not covered by the ETS, such as transport, buildings and agriculture, the commission has proposed national targets.
Each country would also receive a national target for renewable energy. The UK's is likely to be about 15%. Richer nations would have to cut their emissions: the target for Denmark and the Irish Republic is a 20% reduction and the UK's is 16%. The poorest would be allowed to increase emissions, Bulgaria by 20% and Romania by 19%.
Countries already boasting a thriving renewables industry, such as Sweden, would receive tougher targets. Each country has been given a national target for renewable energy.
The UK's is 15%. Sweden which already has a thriving renewables industry has been given a tougher figure of 49%.
Countries would be allowed to trade investment in renewables facilities.Countries would be allowed to trade investment in renewables facilities.
The target of powering 10% of Europe's road transport with biofuels is likely to be retained. The target of powering 10% of Europe's road transport with biofuels has been retained.
But caveats will be introduced with the aim of ensuring the fuels used bring real carbon savings while avoiding adverse environmental and social impacts.
Before the commission's proposals are adopted, they will have to be endorsed by MEPs and member states. The final package might not come into force before the end of 2009.Before the commission's proposals are adopted, they will have to be endorsed by MEPs and member states. The final package might not come into force before the end of 2009.