EU 2030 emissions reduction package hailed as ‘a historic moment’

The European Union agreement to set a 40 per cent emission reduction target for 2030, as well as European wide renewable energy and energy efficiency targets of 27 per cent, has been welcomed by policy makers and industry as an important milestone, although some groups have called for more this target to go further.

UK energy secretary Ed Davey:

“This is a historic moment. Europe has sent a clear and firm message to the world that ambitious climate action is needed now.

“True to our word, we have delivered a highly ambitious EU climate target while also significantly strengthening Europe’s energy security by making us less reliant on imported energy. This morning only five countries in Europe had climate targets post 2020, now 28 countries do.”

EU commissioner Connie Hedegaard:

“A binding 40 per cent CO2 reduction effort domestically in Europe is not an easy task. It can only be achieved through a major transformation in all parts of the society.”

“We have sent a strong signal to other big economies and all other countries: we have done our homework, now we urge you to follow Europe’s example.”

“Now the direction towards 2030 has been set. States, regions, municipalities, businesses, investors and citizens now all know where we are heading. This is a very good day for Europe’s climate politics.”

Jonathan Grant, director, sustainability and climate change, PwC:

“The 2030 target implies a significant decarbonisation of the electricity system by that date. The greenhouse gas targets are broadly in line with the EU’s 2050 goal of 80 per cent reduction in emissions which will require a new energy revolution in our homes and factories and on the streets. Overall, the package looks ambitious compared with commitments made by other developed and emerging economies.”

Tony Juniper, chair of Action for Renewables:

“Now we have the EU 2030 framework in place it’s time to work on delivery. Renewables are the only generation technologies that meet all of the goals we must pursue in parallel. They are genuinely low carbon, improve our energy security and long term bring down costs.”

Mark Kenber, chief executive, The Climate Group:

“It gets the ball rolling.”

“Forty per cent is still not enough to put the EU on a path to net zero emissions by mid-century and kick start the transformational change we need. 40 per cent must be seen as a floor which opens the door to increased ambition.”

“The two other targets are frankly disappointing.”

Matthew Spencer, director of Green Alliance:

“The fourth carbon budget pathway has now been adopted by the world’s largest trading block which makes it many times more powerful, and avoids the UK being isolated.”

“The onus is now on the Prime Minister to show how he’ll use the ‘flexibility’ secured in the deal to ramp up the UK’s low carbon energy programme.”

Katja Hall, CBI deputy director-general:

“A binding target of 40% emissions reduction is the right result to achieve our energy and climate goals.

“The UK government has worked effectively with other allies to ensure member states have the flexibility to meet it in the way that best suits their own circumstances. Now the Commission must get on with the important task of reforming the EU emissions trading system, while making sure that our energy intensive industries get the support they need to maintain their competitiveness.”

Wayne Mitchell, head of Npower industrial and commercial:

“This is an ambitious target that is bound to have an impact on British businesses’ energy bills and ultimately the bottom line.

“Rising energy prices remain a key issue for business leaders in the UK, with just 47 percent saying the shift to a low carbon economy is important.”

“There’s still work to be done to convince UK business leaders that energy policy is in their best interests and not another example of EU red tape.”

John Alker, director of policy and communications, the UK Green Building Council:

“Having committed to an ambitious carbon reduction goal, it would have made sense to give ourselves the best chance of meeting that cost-effectively – with an equally stretching and mandatory energy efficiency target, both at EU and member state level.

“Sadly, an opportunity to give a much needed boost to low carbon business across Europe has gone begging. A destination has been set, but we are effectively setting off on the journey with no map and no guarantee that we will actually get there.”

Martin Schoenberg, head of policy at Climate Change Capital:

“The 40 percent target is the minimum needed to signal continued political commitment to decarbonisation. To get an agreement is a major achievement. The major problem is that there is no national accountability. The stage is set for even more tortuous talks and arguments between EU states, not all of whom will be willing to pull their weight.”

The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA):

“We view the announced commitments as a minimum baseline. Renewed climate leadership is now required from leaders across the EU to secure international agreement at Paris next year. We are disappointed with the UK Government’s position on energy efficiency and call for a step change in political ambition and leadership on Climate Change – this most critical issue of our times”.