European leaders under-fire over energy reduction targets

Chief executives of companies, including Whirlpool Europe, AB Electrolux Bosch and Siemens, have all demanded politicians do more to bring about binding energy savings targets.

In the wake of yet another disappointing COP meeting industry is calling on national governments to take the lead.

In a joint letter to European Council president Herman Van Rompuy and national leaders they call for politicians to fully address energy savings in the upcoming European Energy Summit in Brussels on February 4.

In the letter they state Europe is ‘almost certain’ to miss 2020 energy savings target ‘unless extra effort is made immediately’.

The most recent estimate by the European Commission suggests Europe will only make it half the distance, saving an estimated 9% by 2020 against its own target of 20%.

The letter stresses the need to give energy efficiency priority of place on the list of actions open to Europe under the Energy Strategy 2020 and underlines how important it is the Summit itself spurs firm action on energy savings measures across Europe.

It goes on to claim that current voluntary efforts are failing and that a binding commitment to deliver the 20% energy savings target by 2020 is ‘paramount.’

One of the signatories Knauf Insulation chief executive, Tony Robson, said: “Our industries are looking to Europe’s political leaders for strong commitment and action in this field.

“Making the 20% energy savings target a real policy commitment should, in our view, be a top priority.”

Luke Walsh