STRASBOURG, France (REUTERS) - European lawmakers approved draft measures on Wednesday (Jan 17) to reform the power market and reduce energy consumption that envisage more ambitious climate goals, setting the stage for tough talks with reluctant EU member states.
Under the plan backed by the European Parliament, renewable energy would account for at least 35 per cent of the EU's overall energy use by 2030. Last month, EU national governments agreed a target of 27 per cent, disappointing environmental campaigners who see it as too little to combat climate change.
The industry lobby WindEurope welcomed Wednesday's vote, saying the difference between 27 and 35 per cent could mean 92 billion euros (S$149 billion) less in future investments for the sector.
The draft rules also envisage banning the use of palm oil, a major import from South-East Asia, in motor fuels from 2021, drawing an angry response from the Malaysian government.
The European Parliament, the executive European Commission and EU national governments must now negotiate together on the final legislation.
The draft measures are aimed at helping the European Union meet its overall goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 per cent below 1990 levels by 2030, following the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius.
Since US President Donald Trump's decision to exit the Paris climate accord last year, the EU has sought to stay the course. But it faces challenges in implementing its climate goals while reconciling economic disparities between western and eastern Europe, where much industry is still reliant on coal.
The EU lawmakers also agreed on Wednesday a binding overall energy efficiency target of 35 per cent after 2021, compared to a 30 per cent non-binding target proposed by member states last year.
The target requires the promotion of better insulation and energy use in buildings, more efficient consumer goods and smart appliances in homes.
Apart from any environmental benefits, the Commission says a 30 per cent target would create 400,000 jobs, increase EU economic output by 70 billion euros and reduce the continent's reliance on gas imports by 12 per cent.
The draft measures contain provisions for renewable transport fuels, seeking to promote research in advanced technologies and to limit fuels made from food and feed crops, which are blamed for deforestation and higher food prices.
"The vote by the EU Parliament to exclude palm oil biofuels from the EU's renewable energy future is a wholly unjustified blockade against Malaysian farmers, families and communities," the Malaysian government said in a statement.
Under the draft measures, biofuels made from other food and feed crops cannot exceed 7 per cent of all transport fuel.
"Today's parliament vote sends a clear message to the biofuels industry that growth can only come from sustainable advanced fuels such as waste-based biofuels, not from food crops," said Laura Buffet of campaign group Transport and Environment.
