2020 renewable energy goals ''likely to be achieved in EU''

Posted by Andrew Marshall.

The European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) is optimistic about the likelihood of EU countries achieving the union''s 2020 renewable energy goals.

Members of the EU are expected to fulfil a target of 20 per cent within the next decade, a figure which the EWEA believes could actually be beaten.

The organisation''s policy director Justin Wilkes noted that the tide has turned when it comes to the renewable energy commitments of many EU countries.

He commented: ''In 2008, many countries were stating that their target would be difficult to meet - now the majority are forecasting that they will meet or exceed their national target.''

The EWEA made its prediction after assessing the renewable energy forecasts made by states within the EU.

Scotland is one country that remains committed to the development of renewable energy resources, the country''s climate change minister Stewart Stevenson recently suggested during an appearance at the Northern Regions Climate Change Summit.