In a non-binding plenary vote, the MEPs also backed the commission’s draft energy efficiency directive, which is intended to improve energy efficiency in the European Union (EU) by 20% by 2020 on the 1990 figure.
The low-carbon roadmap sets an 80-95 per cent reduction in EU carbon dioxide emissions by 2050, with “milestones” of 20 per cent by 2020, 40 per cent by 2030, 60 per cent by 2040 and 80 per cent by 2050. However, the text adopted warned that the 2020 target did not set the EU “on a cost-efficient pathway” to the cuts needed. The parliament has previously called for an increase in the 20% target.
The ETS suggestions, mainly to overcome the low carbon price, included a possible “set aside” of pollution permits and inclusion of aircraft emissions. Jo Leinen, of the Socialists & Democrats group of MEPs, said: “There is a need to counterbalance the surplus of allowances which brings down the price, as this discourages industry investments.”
“The more we do now the easier it will be in the future,” said the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe MEP Chris Davies, who put forward the text adopted. “This is an opportunity to promote investment and stimulate technological innovation.”
Stephane Bourgeois, the head of regulatory affairs at the European Wind Energy Association, said: “Binding targets for renewables are proven to be effective and targets for 2030 would continue to drive European industry, boost energy security and are key in tackling climate change.”