Britain tries to block European targets for renewable energy

Britain is trying to block new European rules that would set binding targets on renewable energy generation to tackle climate change, according to leaked papers.

The European commission wants to force member states to generate 20% of their energy by 2020 from green sources such as wind power and wood chip boilers. But Britain has argued against such a binding goal, saying countries need the “flexibility” to set their own targets.
Green campaigners said yesterday ministers were blocking the proposals because existing policies to deliver renewable energy would fail to get Britain anywhere near the 20% goal.

An industry source said Department of Trade and Industry officials had admitted at a meeting last month that current policies would see 4%-5% of UK energy produced from renewable sources by 2020.

The Guardian