The European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) has released new calculations on how much wind power can contribute to achieving greenhouse gas (GHG) emission targets.
In a briefing for ministers and members of the European Parliament, EWEA says that it expects wind energy to avoid the emission of 333 million tons of carbon dioxide per year by 2020. This is the equivalent of 29% of the EU's current GHG reduction target of 20% by 2020.
‘The EU should go into the [United Nations Climate Change Conference in December] confident that GHG emissions can be slashed rapidly, and that its own targets can be met and exceeded,’ says Christian Kjaer, CEO of EWEA. ‘The growing pessimism on global action against climate change needs to be nipped in the bud.’
If it takes the scientific evidence seriously, the EU should raise its ambition and aim for a 30% domestic carbon reduction target, with offsetting mechanisms like the Clean Development Mechanism adding a further 10%, Kjaer adds.
SOURCE: European Wind Energy Association
