UK among EU countries falling short on renewable targets
The UK are joined by France, the Netherlands and Ireland in lagging behind other EU member states.
The four countries are at risk of failing to reach 2020 EU renewable energy targets based on their current progress – something that would result in hefty fines.
On the other extent, there are a total of nine EU member states that have already managed to achieve the targets ahead of time. These include Croatia, Sweden and Estonia.
The targets were developed based on a variety of starting points, including current renewable levels, economic power and renewable potential.
The UK, for example, is legally bound to ensure that 15 per cent of its total energy mix comes from renewable sources by 2020. Based on the latest data, this level is currently at just 7 per cent.
Sweden, one of those to have already met its target, had a much loftier goal of 49 per cent. At 52.6 per cent in 2014, this goal has already been met and passed six years ahead of time.
Overall, the EU bloc has targeted a total of one fifth of all its energy to come from renewable sources by 2020. Currently, the level is 4 per cent behind this 20 per cent goal, although progress is generally on course.
Although there is still plenty of time left, the UK has already admitted to being well behind where it should be at this stage and is likely to fall short of its 15 per cent target. The government has, however, ensured concerned parties that a new strategy would be developed to get up to speed.
