| The EU achieved its 2010 renewable
electricity target of 21% of electricity consumption according
to latest analysis by the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA).
The EU's 2001 Renewable Electricity Directive set a target
of 21% electricity from renewable sources for 2010. In 2010,
renewable energies produced between 665 Terrawatt hours (TWh)
and 673 TWh, hitting the 21% target given consumption was
around 3,115 TWh to 3,175 TWh.
If renewable electricity production in the EU continued to
grow at the same rate as it did from 2005 to 2010, it would
account for 36.4% of electricity in 2020 and 51.6% in 2030
(see table below).
"The renewable
electricity targets set back in 2001 have been realistic as
well as effective" said Justin Wilkes, EWEA's Director of Policy.
"The targets have worked in achieving their purpose within the
time foreseen. This success is why industry is calling for an
ambitious 2030 target for renewables."
Wilkes added - "The growth achieved in the last five years
has been outstanding and, if continued, would result in over
half of the EU's electricity coming from renewables by 2030.
A long-term stable framework, underpinned by an ambitious
2030 renewable energy target, is clearly the proven way to
ensure Europe meets its climate, competitiveness and energy
security goals.
"The growth of renewables between 2005 and 2010 was largely
carried by onshore wind. In future, the renewables sector
will benefit from significant growth in offshore wind and
other technologies as they become more mature."
EWEA
analysis of provisional EUROSTAT data as well as EurObserv'ER
and EURELECTRIC figures show that, in 2010, renewables accounted
for just over 21% electricity consumed in the EU. EUROSTAT
will publish definitive 2010 figures in a few months time.
Share of renewable electricity to total electricity consumption
(%)
| 2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2020 |
2030 |
| 13.6 |
14.2 |
15.1 |
16.4 |
18.2 |
21.2 |
36.4 |
51.6 |
Source: 2005-2009 - Eurostat. 2010, 2020 and 2030 EWEA
calculation
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