On top of that, and according to the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA), if emissions avoided by using other renewable electricity technologies are included then almost half (48%) of the European Union’s (EU’s) target of reducing emissions by 20% is avoided.

As a result of the potential of wind the EWEA, in a report released today (November 9), has called for the EU to move from a 20% to a 30% emissions reduction target.

This is because the full report states wind energy could still provide the equivalent of 20% of the reduction of 30%.

According to the EWEA the EU wind industry could avoid 342m tonnes of CO2, equivalent to 31% of the EU’s target of reducing emissions by 20%.

EWEA’s senior advisor on climate and environment, Rémi Gruet, said: “An ambitious 2020 climate target is key to maintaining Europe’s leadership in the wind power industry in an environment of fast growing global competition from China, the US, South Korea and Japan.

“It is clear that by deploying wind energy and other renewables the EU can move to a 30% greenhouse gas reduction target with ease.”

The reports comes at a vital time, as the European Parliament is discussing the 2050 low carbon roadmap presented by the European Commission in February and is actively considering including a demand to increase the legally binding renewable energy target after 2020.

Luke Walsh

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