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Should the EU Increase the Renewable Energy Goals?
It is no secret that Europe is aggressively trying to reduce its carbon footprint and dependence on foreign energy. This concept is easier said than done. Issues have emerged in terms of how to balance these two issues to ensure that Europe has sufficient energy to meet their essential needs without instilling too much damage on the environment. A piece in EURACTIV argues that the EU needs to pursue renewable energy goals more aggressively.
A big limitation to expanding renewable energy is technological limitations. If the technology existed today, probably most of the world would use renewable energy. This column argues that the technology is being developed faster than people realize, so the EU needs to have a plan to install this technology throughout the EU to keep up with the pace of the technological development. The piece cites examples of technology such as heat pumps, electric vehicles, solar panels, and wind mills.
The authors cite that the EU could have 45 percent of their technology come from renewable energy by 2030, so they need to commit to relying on this level by 2030. Codifying this commitment in law would force all EU governments at all levels to install this infrastructure. The writers claim that the EU’s current projections, which have the amount of renewable energy available much below 45 percent, are outdated.
The writers are optimistic for the support for their initiative is increasing because people at the EU Commission and Parliament are pushing for this increase.
Regardless of whether someone agrees with this piece, it is good to have these kinds of discussions. There are some things it would have been best for the piece to address. It would be helpful to see why exactly the EU’s old numbers are out of date. It seems there is a real debate over the technological capabilities. Furthermore, it would be good to see cost projections with these investments. Currently there are strikes throughout Europe due to cost saving measures. There is already not enough money for the EU’s current spending, so increased spending could put a greater strain on Europe overall. Given the diversity of governments and wealth in the various countries in the EU, it would also be interesting to see whether all of the member states can make the changes that this article calls for.
If the piece is accurate in their projections, it something to aspire to, but there are many down sides that they have left out that are worth addressing.
Thank Todd for the Post!
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