Support for Brussels climate and energy package
Federal Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel has welcomed the European Commission's climate and energy package which was presented in Brussels today: "The Commission shows how the ambitious climate protection targets which were adopted under the German Presidency can be implemented. Despite the fact that some of the details still need further discussion, this package is a courageous step. The package ensures that by 2020 Europe will in any event reduce CO2 emissions by 20 percent compared to 1990. I am pleased to see the Commission already indicating the tools it will use to achieve the 30 percent target, if the international climate change negotiations have the hoped-for success."
"I am delighted that the EU Commission wants to simplify emissions trading and harmonise it Europe-wide," stressed Gabriel. "It is also right that as of 2013, all CO2 allowances for electricity generation are to be auctioned. For me it is especially important that the energy-intensive industries which are included in emissions trading but which in particular compete internationally, continue to receive the necessary CO2 allowances free of charge. In my view this should apply to steel, aluminium and cement production. The Commission must clarify this issue swiftly."
Gabriel highlighted the fact that the EU Commission had taken on board important comments from Germany, for example in the expansion of renewable energies. For instance, national provisions should retain precedence, they should simply be supplemented by the introduction of a trading system for renewables. "This will ensure that our successful Renewable Energy Sources Act is not undermined, " said Gabriel. The minister said the EU aim of increasing the share of renewables in Germany to 18 percent of total energy consumption was realistic. Gabriel regretted that the Commission proposal did not contain any concrete measures for increasing energy efficiency.
Further Information:
- http://ec.europa.eu: Climate action and renewable energy package