That marks a departure from the previous UK position to support a single carbon reduction target, with no specified renewable target.
However, the UK energy secretary maintained there should be no binding renewable targets on member states.
Discussing blueprints for a 2030 climate and energy framework at a meeting of the Environment Council, Davey repeated calls for an “ambitious and flexible” package.
He backed the European Commission’s proposal to target a 40 per cent cut in greenhouse gas emissions and argued the EU should be prepared to go to 50 per cent if matched by similar ambition from the rest of the world.
Responding to concerns an ambitious carbon target could harm the competitiveness of EU industry, Davey insisted “we can all afford to adopt the 40 per cent domestic greenhouse gas target”.
Business representatives largely support a single target approach, while renewables bodies argue it will not give investors enough certainty.
Today’s meeting is intended to firm up the 2030 proposals in preparation for a summit of national leaders on 20 and 21 March.