Greenpeace EU: climate and energyhttp://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/All climate and energy related news from the Greenpeace EU uniten-eu(c) 2020, GreenpeaceFri, 21 Feb 2020 15:52:08 Z5agriculture/climate change/forests/nuclear/oceans/other issues/toxicsa629e640-ac6e-4612-8d41-eb55be4a039bhttp://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2018/EU-Parliament-halt-deforestation/EU Parliament demands urgent action to meet 2020 goal to halt deforestationBrussels – The European Parliament has demanded swift action from the European Commission to cut Europe’s footprint on the world’s forests and its associated impact on climate change, species loss and human rights violations.<p dir="ltr"><span>Despite commitments by world leaders to tackle </span><a href="https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/the-paris-agreement"><span>climate change</span></a><span> and </span><a href="https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/biodiversity/"><span>end deforestation by 2020</span></a><span>, and an EU pledge to deliver an action plan in the EU’s 2013 </span><a href="http://ec.europa.eu/environment/action-programme/"><span>7th Environmental Action Plan</span></a><span>, the Commission has so far failed to table any concrete measures.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>The Parliament highlighted the impact of the production and trade in agricultural and animal products, and the role of the financial sector as major drivers of deforestation.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Greenpeace EU forest policy director Sébastien Risso </strong><span>said: </span><em>“The Parliament is clear: there’s no excuse for the Commission’s deafening silence on Europe’s response to global deforestation. Deforestation contributes massively to climate change, as well as species loss and human rights abuses, and the EU is clearly part of the problem. Juncker’s team only has a handful of months before next year’s European elections to pull its head out of the sand and table the action plan the Commission has so far failed to deliver.”</em></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>The Parliament called for a </span><span>“meaningful”</span><span> action plan that includes </span><span>“regulatory measures to ensure that no supply chains or financial transactions linked to the EU cause deforestation, forest degradation, or human rights violations”</span><span>, and urged </span><span>“enhanced financial and technical assistance”</span><span> to developing countries, </span><span>“with the specific aim of protecting, maintaining and restoring forests, and enhancing the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities”</span><span>.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>The Parliament also:</span></p><p></p><ul><p></p><li dir="ltr"><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Called for enhanced action to combat forest crime, in particular illegal logging and the associated timber trade, and pressed the Commission and European governments to fully enforce the EU timber regulation, including through effective checks and dissuasive sanctions;</span></p><p></p></li><p></p><li dir="ltr"><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Called on the Commission to include binding provisions in all EU trade and investment agreements, &nbsp;enforceable through monitoring and sanctions mechanisms, to halt illegal logging, deforestation, forest degradation, land grabbing and other human rights violations; </span></p><p></p></li><p></p><li dir="ltr"><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Stressed that the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) should be aligned with the EU’s international commitments, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and called on the EU to ensure that CAP subsidies are granted only </span><span>“for sustainable and deforestation-free foodstuffs”</span><span>, reducing </span><span>“imports of protein feed crops and livestock”</span><span>;</span></p><p></p></li><p></p><li dir="ltr"><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Called on the EU, European governments and partner countries to ensure the effective protection of the rights of </span><span>indigenous peoples and </span><span>forest-dependent communities and indigenous peoples against human rights violations <span id="docs-internal-guid-f6f3737e-7fff-0fc6-8f8d-f2f235eebabd"><span>driven by agricultural expansion, logging and other activities</span></span>.</span></p><p></p></li><p></p></ul><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>In March 2017, the Commission released a </span><a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2018/Commission-study-action-deforestation/"><span>study on the policy options</span></a><span> to step up EU action to combat deforestation and forest degradation, although the Commission is yet to announce how it intends to follow up and what action, if any, will be taken.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span><strong>Contacts</strong>:</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span><strong>Sébastien Risso</strong> – Greenpeace EU forest policy director:</span><span> +32 (0)496 127009, </span><a href="mailto:sebastien.risso@greenpeace.org"><span>sebastien.risso@greenpeace.org</span></a></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span><strong>Greenpeace EU press desk</strong>:</span><span> +32 (0)2 274 1911, </span><a href="mailto:pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org"><span>pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</span></a></p><p></p><p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>For breaking news and comment on EU affairs: </span><span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU">www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</a></span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties.</span></p>Tue, 11 Sep 2018 12:30:00 Zagricultureclimate changeforestsmbreddy305efcb9-b346-4d10-8c0f-dd336efce713http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2018/EU-overturns-barriers-to-rooftop-revolution-but-renewable-target-falls-short-of-serious-climate-action/EU overturns barriers to rooftop revolution but renewable target falls short of serious climate actionBrussels – Solar panels could soon cover millions more rooftops in Europe, after the EU reached a deal on Wednesday to make it easier for households to play a part in the renewable energy transition, said Greenpeace.<p> </p><p></p><p>At the same time, European governments curbed the Parliament’s efforts to increase the share of renewables in the EU’s energy system, with a review of the target in 2023, and rejected important safeguards against the harmful effects of bioenergy and biofuels.</p><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace </strong><strong>EU energy policy adviser Sebastian Mang </strong>said: <em>“This deal, for the first time, recognises the rights of ordinary people to participate in Europe’s energy revolution and overturns some very big barriers to the fight against climate change. It gives people and communities greater control over their energy use, empowering them to accelerate the development of renewable energy and challenge energy giants across the continent. But the renewables target of 32 percent is far too low and allows power companies to cling onto fossil fuels and false solutions.”</em></p><p></p><p>The deal between the European Parliament and European governments establishes the right of European citizens, local authorities, small businesses and cooperatives to produce, consume, store and sell their own renewable energy, without being subject to punitive taxes or excessive red tape. It bans punitive measures that some countries introduced to prevent their citizens from participating in the energy transition, such as the requirement that individuals in Romania set up a company and meet fiscal requirements before they can sell any energy they produce to the grid. Another example is the Spanish ‘sun tax’, which hampers small-scale renewable energy production with steep fees and administrative hurdles. Ending punitive measures was one of the European Parliament’s core demands throughout negotiations with European governments.</p><p></p><p>For the first time, EU law will acknowledge the role democratically controlled cooperatives play in the energy transition, making it easier for people to set up their own renewable energy projects and putting safeguards in place to protect them from the market dominance of major power companies. According to a recent <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.erneuerbareenergien.de/local-added-value-from-a-community-wind-farm/150/437/96249/">study</a></span>, cooperative-owned projects bring eight times more revenue into the local economy than a project by a major power company.</p><p></p><p>Greenpeace also warned that the minimum renewable-energy target of 32 percent in 2030 falls dangerously short of the level necessary to prevent catastrophic climate change. The deal will also allow countries and companies to continue labelling harmful bioenergy as renewable energy, paving the way for more trees to be cut down and rainforests cleared for biofuel crops to fuel power plants, factories and cars. Negotiators agreed to freeze the use of of biofuels that significantly harm biodiversity, such as palm oil, at current levels, gradually phase them out by 2030 and end the current obligation for EU countries to include crop-based biofuels in their transport mix.</p><p></p><p><strong>Contacts:</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Sebastian Mang - Greenpeace EU energy policy adviser</strong>: +32 (0)407 623167, <a href="mailto:sebastian.mang@greenpeace.org"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">sebastian.mang@greenpeace.org</span></a></p><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace EU press desk</strong>: +32 (0)2 2741911, <a href="mailto:pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</span></a></p><p></p><p>For breaking news and comment on EU affairs: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU">www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</a></p><p></p><p>Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning network that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties.</p>Thu, 14 Jun 2018 04:50:00 Zclimate changelullmannb1c64ad6-bd23-408c-97d5-fba165942981http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2018/Climate-change-activists-call-on-EU-energy-ministers-to-unlock-rooftop-revolution-/Climate change activists call on EU energy ministers to unlock rooftop revolution Luxembourg/Brussels - Climate change activists urged EU energy ministers meeting in Luxembourg to live up to their climate commitments and stop restricting the rights of people to produce and share their own renewable energy. <p><em>*** High-res photos &amp; video available <a href="https://media.greenpeace.org/collection/27MZIFJWX3Z1O">here</a>. ***</em></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>EU energy ministers are gathering two days ahead of final negotiations with the European Parliament and the European Commission on the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive.</p><p></p><p>The group of 35 activists from 8 countries [1] confronted ministers with banners reading: <em>“Our sun. Our power. Our future.” </em>and<em> “People-Powered Renewables = Climate Action”.</em> Ministers arriving at the meeting were greeted at the main entrance, the underground drop-off area and the back-access road. The activists also unfurled a giant sun covered with selfie messages from hundreds of Europeans calling on the EU to power a swift transition away from fossil fuels and nuclear energy to citizen-owned renewable energy.</p><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace EU energy policy adviser Ansgar Kiene</strong>&nbsp;said: “Politicians like using bold words on climate change, but they refuse to fulfil their promises when they have the chance. Without a rapid increase in renewable energy driven by a solar rooftop revolution, Europe cannot be a climate leader. Governments now need to set high renewables targets and provide the means to achieve them. You can't have one without the other, just like you can’t ride a bicycle that’s missing a wheel.”</p><p></p><p>Belgium, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Sweden have <a href="https://www.ecologique-solidaire.gouv.fr/france-lallemagne-suede-pays-bas-finlande-portugal-et-luxembourg-appellent-ambition-climatique">publicly supported</a> the need to tackle climate change. The change of governments in Spain and Italy is expected to affect the negotiations. <a href="https://elpais.com/economia/2018/06/05/actualidad/1528193291_786828.html?id_externo_rsoc=TW_CC">According to reports</a>, the new Spanish government has already indicated that it will change the Spanish position, support renewables, and leave the group of conservative countries that includes Poland. It will also <a href="http://www.climatechangenews.com/2018/06/06/spain-joins-call-strengthen-eu-climate-targets/">join the coalition of EU governments calling for climate ambition</a>. A change of position by the new Italian government could further split European governments. Italy’s new deputy prime minister and energy minister advocated <a href="http://www.ansa.it/canale_ambiente/notizie/energia/2017/05/30/di-maio-finanziare-di-piu-ecobonus-per-rinnovabili_192e6762-f407-4bb2-a802-6fee731c8c55.html">support for people-powered renewables</a> during the election campaign. While Germany is a member of the climate-ambition group, it is also among the countries – including Poland and Hungary – that are blocking efforts to raise the EU's renewable energy target for 2030 and to cut fees and red tape which discourage households and small businesses from investing in renewables like solar energy.</p><p></p><p>The Council negotiating position and the final Renewable Energy Directive will determine the role of renewables in Europe’s energy system up to 2030 and beyond, as well as the potential for Europeans to self-generate, consume, share and sell electricity. Having more renewable energy in the mix would reduce carbon emissions and, according to scientific <a href="https://www.greenpeace.org/archive-international/en/publications/Campaign-reports/Climate-Reports/Energy-Revolution-2015/">projections</a>, a renewables target of at least 45 percent by 2030 would bring the EU in line with its commitments under the Paris climate agreement.</p><p></p><p>The Council has shown openness to move beyond its initial 27 per cent target, but is demanding the Parliament back down from its support for a minimum 35 percent target.</p><p></p><p>EU ministers and the Parliament also disagree on the rights of individuals, cooperatives and cities to produce and sell their own renewable energy. The position so far agreed among EU energy ministers could seriously penalise people generating their own energy. For example, it would allow national governments to impose punitive fees and to heavily restrict how and where people can produce and share energy, with additional burdens on those who do not own their own roof, such as tenants. Governments could also burden these small-scale energy producers with the same registration requirements as large power companies, if they feed any amount of electricity into the grid.</p><p></p><p>The final negotiating session between the European Parliament, EU governments and the European Commission will take place on 13 June in Strasbourg.</p><p></p><p><em>*** High-res photos &amp; video available <a href="https://media.greenpeace.org/collection/27MZIFJWX3Z1O">here</a>. ***</em></p><p></p><p><strong>Note:</strong></p><p></p><p>[1] Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, the Netherlands and the UK.</p><p></p><p><strong>Contacts:</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Ansgar Kiene, Greenpeace EU energy policy adviser</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ansgar.kiene@greenpeace.org">ansgar.kiene@greenpeace.org</a>, +32 476 961375</p><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace EU press desk</strong>: +32 (0)2 274 1911,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org">pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</a></p><p></p><p>For breaking news and comment on EU affairs:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU">www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</a></p><p></p><p>Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning network that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties.</p><p></p><p>&nbsp;</p>Mon, 11 Jun 2018 06:53:00 Zclimate changelullmannf17c752b-b395-451e-9145-0bfb6dd016b6http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2018/solar-panels-European-Parliament-renewables/Activists set up solar panels on European Parliament as EU talks on renewables enter crucial stageBrussels – Activists have installed solar panels on the European Parliament in Brussels on the day EU talks on renewable energy enter a crucial stage. <p></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p></p><p>The Parliament is hosting the penultimate round of negotiations on the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive. The outcome of the negotiations will determine the role of renewables in Europe’s energy system through 2030 and beyond, as well as the potential for Europeans to self-generate, consume, share and sell electricity.</p><p></p><p>The group of 20 activists and climbers from seven countries [1] also unfurled a banner covering the front of the European Parliament’s information centre and placed a giant sun in front of the Parliament, reading: <em>“Our sun. Our power. Our future.” </em>The banner and the sun were covered with hundreds of selfies, sent in by people all over Europe, calling on the European Union to power a swift transition away from fossil fuels and nuclear energy to citizen-owned renewable energy.</p><p></p><p>The activists are using the electricity generated by the solar panels installed on the Parliament to make and distribute free vegan ice-cream.</p><p></p><p>At the same time, <a href="https://es.greenpeace.org/es/noticias/placasolares/?utm_medium=social_network&amp;utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_campaign=Energia&amp;utm_content=ministerio&amp;utm_term=movida">activists in Spain</a> have installed solar panels on a building belonging to the energy ministry in Madrid, demanding that the Spanish government stop penalising people who produce their own energy. Research by Greenpeace Spain released on Wednesday revealed that the Spanish government uses only 1.25 percent of the space available for solar panels on ministry buildings, wasting around €27 million in public money to buy electricity from power utilities.</p><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace EU energy policy adviser Ansgar Kiene</strong>&nbsp;said:&nbsp;<em>“The sun and wind belong to everyone but our governments want to discourage people from putting solar panels on their roof or joining cooperative wind farms. All the while, they continue to bankroll coal, gas and nuclear power stations, filling the pockets of a few giant power companies. The European Parliament needs to stay firm in its support for a greener, healthier and more democratic future. The time for energy monopolies is over. It’s time for energy democracy.”</em></p><p></p><p>The European Parliament is set to clash with European governments over the rights of households, cooperatives and cities to produce and sell their own renewable energy without punitive fees or excessive red tape. For example, the Parliament would like to see an end to measures like the Spanish ‘sun tax’, which imposes steep fees on anyone placing solar panels on their roof and using the electricity in their own home. Other rules favoured by governments would, for example, place additional burdens on tenants living in apartment blocks and require those feeding even small amounts of electricity into the power grid to comply with the same obligations as large power companies.</p><p></p><p>The Parliament also disagrees with governments over the minimum share of Europe’s energy that must come from renewables by 2030. Most governments favour a 27 percent target, but some countries, such as Sweden, have backed a minimum 35 percent target, while others have said they can go beyond 30 percent [2]. The Parliament is also calling for a minimum 35 percent target.</p><p></p><p>Having more renewable energy in the mix would improve air quality [3] and reduce carbon emissions. Greenpeace warns that a renewables target of at least 45 percent by 2030 would be in line with the EU’s commitments under the Paris climate agreement.</p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.cedelft.eu/publicatie/the_potential_of_energy_citizens_in_the_european_union/1845" target="_blank">A 2016 report commissioned</a> by Greenpeace and others&nbsp;showed that, with the right support, almost <a href="http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2016/160926%20Potential%20of%20energy%20citizens%20-%20media%20briefing.pdf">half of all Europeans</a> could produce their own electricity from renewables by 2050, meeting nearly half of the EU’s electricity demand. Power companies would provide the remainder of Europe’s renewable electricity.</p><p></p><p>The final negotiating session between the European Parliament, EU governments and the European Commission will take place on 29 May.</p><p></p><p><em>*** First high-res photos available </em><a href="https://media.greenpeace.org/collection/27MZIFJX53KVQ"><em>here</em></a><em>.&nbsp;More photos and video available soon. ***</em></p><p></p><p><strong>Notes:</strong></p><p></p><p>[1] Belgium, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Hungary, Italy and the Netherlands.</p><p></p><p>[2] Austria, Denmark, France, Portugal, Lithuania and Luxembourg have indicated they can support an EU 2030 renewable energy target beyond 30 percent.</p><p></p><p>[3] The European Commission is expected to refer several European governments to the European Court of Justice over breaches of the EU’s air pollution limits today.</p><p></p><p><strong>Contacts:</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Ansgar Kiene, Greenpeace EU energy policy adviser</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ansgar.kiene@greenpeace.org">ansgar.kiene@greenpeace.org</a>, +32 476 96 13 75</p><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace EU press desk</strong>: +32 (0)2 274 1911,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org">pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</a></p><p></p><p>This press release is also available on: <a href="http://www.greenpeace.eu/">www.greenpeace.eu</a></p><p></p><p>For breaking news and comment on EU affairs:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU">www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</a></p><p></p><p>Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning network that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties.</p>Thu, 17 May 2018 07:40:00 Znuclearclimate changembreddye5b07960-eb2a-4d30-8f5a-17f00fffab27http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/2018/Make-or-break-for-renewable-energy-in-Europe/Make or break for renewable energy in EuropeGreenpeace EU media briefing<p></p><p></p>On 17 May, negotiators representing European governments, the European Parliament and the European Commission will hold crunch talks on Europe’s renewable energy laws. <p></p><p></p>The talks will determine the EU's 2030 renewable energy target, as well as the laws governing renewable energy projects involving power companies, local communities and households. The negotiators are meeting for a third round of talks. A fourth, and potentially last, session will take place on 29 May.<p></p><p></p><p></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p></p><p>A decision to boost renewables could accelerate the transformation of Europe’s energy system, leading to almost <a href="http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2016/160926%20Potential%20of%20energy%20citizens%20-%20media%20briefing.pdf">half of all Europeans</a> producing their own renewable energy by 2050, and helping the European Union fulfil its obligations under the Paris climate agreement. But most governments are reluctant to take away control of the energy system from a handful of heavily subsidised power companies.</p><p></p><table border="1" cellspacing="3"><p></p><tbody><p></p><tr><p></p><td><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace EU energy policy adviser Ansgar Kiene </strong>said: <em>“Our governments like to talk about Europe’s leadership on climate change, but they are attacking the rights of ordinary citizens to participate in a transition to renewable energy. All the while, </em><em>they continue to bankroll coal, gas and nuclear power companies</em><em>. It’s time to turn words into action.”</em></p><p></p></td><p></p></tr><p></p></tbody><p></p></table><p></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p></p><p><strong>What is at stake?</strong></p><p></p><p>Negotiators are debating what Europe’s 2030 renewable energy target should be. The target will set the minimum amount of energy that should be delivered by renewables across Europe by 2030.</p><p></p><p>In 2014, EU leaders backed a minimum 27 percent target. However, this does not take into account EU commitments under the Paris climate agreement.</p><p></p><p>The European Parliament supports a minimum 35 percent target, while NGOs have called for a minimum <a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/2012/ER-2012/">45 percent renewables target</a>.</p><p></p><p>Other measures under consideration, which are backed by the European Parliament, would enable Europeans to take a more active role in a renewable energy transition by, for example, encouraging the use of smart meters and solar panels. For the first time, the EU could recognise the right for citizens to produce, store and sell renewable electricity, free from red tape and punitive charges, including taxes on the renewable energy that people produce and consume themselves.</p><p></p><p>Despite some support from countries like <strong>Greece</strong>, <strong>Belgium</strong> and <strong>Ireland</strong>, EU governments, led by <strong>Germany</strong>, <strong>Spain</strong>, <strong>France</strong> and the <strong>UK</strong>, are strongly opposed to any meaningful measures to encourage households, local communities or small businesses to play a growing role in Europe’s energy system.</p><p></p><p>Spain has itself introduced one of the most restrictive regimes on solar power in the world, which has led to a <a href="https://unef.es/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2017/07/informe-anual-unef-2017_web.pdf">dramatic reduction in investments in rooftop solar</a>. The Parliament’s lead rapporteur, José Blanco Lopez, has said it is his priority to put an end to the Spanish ‘sun tax’, and ensure a minimum set of rights for European citizens to play an active role in Europe’s energy transition.</p><p></p><p><strong>Other controversial issues</strong></p><p></p><p>Another controversial issue is electricity sharing or ‘virtual net metering’, which allows people who do not own their own roof to participate in renewable energy projects elsewhere. For example, electricity generated by solar panels on one roof could be credited to the bills of people in other buildings participating in the project. Municipalities can also use this electricity sharing to place solar panels on the most suitable roofs and give the electricity credits to those who need them most. For example, the Greek city of Thessaloniki has installed solar panels on the roof of a high school and gave the electricity credits to a domestic abuse shelter nearby. Belgium and Slovenia are also considering introducing legislation that would allow electricity sharing.</p><p></p><p>EU negotiators are also discussing rules on bioenergy, including a new renewable target for transport, which risks being filled with unsustainable biofuels made from palm oil and soy. Rules to improve the sourcing and use of wood from forests to produce electricity, including restricting the burning of biomass to highly efficient power plants, are too weak to prevent forest degradation, while doing little to cut carbon emissions.</p><p></p><p><strong>Rooftop revolution potential</strong></p><p></p><p>Community or citizen energy has an enormous and largely untapped potential. A<a href="http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2016/160926%20Potential%20of%20energy%20citizens%20-%20media%20briefing.pdf">report by CE Delft</a>, commissioned by Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, REScoop.eu and EREF in 2016, showed that over 112 million citizens could meet 19 percent of Europe’s electricity demand by 2030. By 2050, over 264 million Europeans – half of all Europeans – could cover as much as 45 percent of Europe’s electricity demand.</p><p></p><p>By making the right choices today, the next decade could see households, local cooperatives, cities and small businesses massively investing in renewables to power everything from schools to businesses. Citizen energy can also help tackle energy poverty through so-called ‘social solar’ public projects that provide low-income households with access to cheap, affordable renewable energy, instead of giving them money to heat their homes with fossil fuels.</p><p></p><p><strong>Contacts</strong>:</p><p></p><p><strong>Tara Connolly</strong> - Greenpeace EU energy policy director: +32 (0)477 790416, <a href="mailto:tara.connolly@greenpeace.org">tara.connolly@greenpeace.org</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace EU press desk</strong>: +32 (0)2 274 1911 pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</p><p></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p></p><p>For breaking news and comment on EU affairs: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU">www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</a></p><p></p><p>Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning network that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties.</p>Tue, 15 May 2018 14:34:00 Zclimate changelullmann9b2d63ef-ee9c-44c5-bfa2-d3588b46017chttp://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2018/EU-climate-change-second-shot/EU must not waste second shot to come good on climate change, GreenpeaceBrussels - Heads of government meeting in Brussels have asked the European Commission to review the European Union’s efforts on climate change in view of pledges made under the 2015 Paris climate agreement.<p dir="ltr"><span>The request comes as </span><a href="https://www.iea.org/geco/"><span>new research</span></a><span> by the International Energy Agency showed an increase in EU carbon emissions for the second year in a row in 2017, and as the growth of renewable energy in Europe has </span><a href="https://windeurope.org/wp-content/uploads/files/about-wind/statistics/WindEurope-Annual-Statistics-2017.pdf"><span>slowed significantly</span></a><span>.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Reacting to the news, </span><strong>Greenpeace EU climate and energy policy adviser Tara Connolly</strong><span> said: </span><em>“Governments are effectively admitting that Europe’s climate change policy needs a reality check. This is good news, but real change needs more than just words. To be a climate leader, Europe must act fast, ditch fossil fuels and fully embrace renewables and energy efficiency.”</em></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>The EU’s current target to cut carbon emissions by at least 40 per cent by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels) is based on efforts to limit global warming to 2°C. But scientists and environmentalists have warned that the EU target falls short. The Paris Agreement commits the EU to determine its emissions target based on a more ambitious objective to limit global temperature increase to 1.5°C.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>The leaders have given the Commission a year to draft a plan on how EU countries can meet their obligations under the global climate deal.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>The statement released in Brussels on Thursday evening reads: </span><span>“The European Council invites the Commission to present by the first quarter of 2019 a proposal for a Strategy for long-term EU greenhouse gas emissions reduction in accordance with the Paris Agreement, taking into account the national plans.”</span></p><p></p><p><span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Contact</strong><span>: </span><strong>Greenpeace EU press desk</strong><span>: +32 (0)2 274 1911, </span><a href="mailto:pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org"><span>pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</span></a></p><p></p><p><span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>This press release is also available on: </span><a href="http://www.greenpeace.eu"><span>www.greenpeace.eu</span></a></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>For breaking news and comment on EU affairs: </span><span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU">www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</a></span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning network that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties.</span></p>Thu, 22 Mar 2018 22:00:00 Znuclearclimate changembreddy7a43b68b-a1aa-42f4-9c64-0c4a9d14629fhttp://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2018/European-Parliament-committee-restricts-controversial-subsidies-to-coal-gas-and-nuclear-plants/European Parliament committee restricts controversial subsidies to coal, gas and nuclear plantsBrussels - The European Parliament’s energy committee has proposed restrictions for controversial subsidies for energy utilities in its vote on the energy market reform. So-called capacity mechanisms - national subsidies to keep power plants on standby - would only be allowed as a “last resort” and would be heavily regulated.<p><strong>Sebastian Mang, Greenpeace EU energy policy adviser,</strong> said: “<em>Today common sense has won over cronyism. While many governments are trying to prop up failing energy companies with massive handouts, the Parliament recognises the power of renewables and that taxpayer money should not be wasted on old, polluting power plants. This energy reform must be an investment in our future and empower the millions of Europeans eager to combat climate change and produce their own energy.” </em></p><p></p><p>The committee demanded an EU-wide evaluation of supply and demand. In case of energy security concerns, countries would be required to address shortfalls by increasing renewables, energy efficiency and the number of interconnectors. It also included strict time limits for standby payments and endorsed the Commission proposal to end such payments in 2025 for any plants emitting over 550g of carbon dioxide per kilowatt hour, which would exclude coal. These changes would require countries to remove or reform existing capacity mechanisms, such as the <a href="http://www.caneurope.org/publications/press-releases/1543-commission-gives-go-ahead-to-poland-s-massive-coal-subsidies">recently approved Polish mechanisms</a> that could cost Polish taxpayers <a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/poland/PageFiles/763123/The_hidden_bill_for_coal_in_Poland_2017_WiseEuropa_report.pdf">over 8.9 billion euros by 2030</a>.</p><p></p><p>Unlike the Council, the committee supported the Commission proposal to empower European citizens in the energy sector, for example by maintaining the rule that energy from small-scale renewables be taken up by the grid before energy from other sources such as coal and nuclear (priority dispatch). The committee also wants to make it easier for people to <a href="https://www.euractiv.com/section/energy/news/community-energy-projects-in-greece-under-threat-activists-warn/">generate and share electricity in their communities.</a><a id="_anchor_1" name="_msoanchor_1" href="#_msocom_1"></a></p><p></p><p>The committee negotiator, MEP Krišjānis Kariņš (EPP), also received the mandate to begin negotiations. Trialogue negotiations between the Council, Commission and European Parliament on new energy rules are expected to start at the end of March.</p><p></p><p>On 18 December 2017, in its preliminary position on the energy reform, the Council rejected requirements for national governments to justify capacity mechanisms. Ministers also proposed to extend the deadline from 2025 to 2035 for giving such payments to existing coal plants that emit over 550g of carbon dioxide per kilowatt hour.</p><p></p><p><strong>Sebastian Mang, Greenpeace EU energy policy adviser</strong>: +32 479 60 1289, sebastian.mang@greenpeace.org</p><p></p><p><strong>Laura Ullmann, Greenpeace EU press officer: </strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong>+32 471 75 89 85, <a href="mailto:pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org">pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</a></p><p></p><p>For breaking news and comment on EU affairs: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU">www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</a></p><p></p><p>Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties.</p>Wed, 21 Feb 2018 09:22:00 Zclimate changelullmann978793fa-8968-4010-93d2-8eecb8a8ed61http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2018/EU-parliament-votes-renewable-energy/European Parliament votes to increase renewable energy targetStrasbourg – Today the European Parliament voted to increase the EU’s 2030 renewable energy target to 35 per cent.<p dir="ltr"><span></span><a href="https://newclimateinstitute.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/cobenefits-of-indcs-october-2015.pdf" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&amp;q=https://newclimateinstitute.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/cobenefits-of-indcs-october-2015.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1516280625660000&amp;usg=AFQjCNF-FYBfB36Lli2nRqVwKleM0P--iQ"><span>Projections</span></a><span> show that the current target of 27 per cent, supported by the European Council and Commission, is too low to meet the EU’s commitments under the Paris climate agreement to limit global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>The European Parliament also strengthened rules supporting people producing renewable energy at home or through joining a cooperative. This includes rules that would make self-consumed electricity free from punitive charges, levies and taxes. This would make </span><a href="http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2015/10/spain-approves-sun-tax-discriminates-against-solar-pv.html" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&amp;q=http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2015/10/spain-approves-sun-tax-discriminates-against-solar-pv.html&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1516280625660000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEcuhpGIPBQOaM3hiRYkq43SOzrlQ"><span>Spain’s controversial ‘sun tax’</span></a><span> illegal under EU rules. The ‘sun tax’ forces Spanish solar panel owners to pay for the electricity they produce and consume themselves.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Greenpeace EU energy policy adviser Sebastian Mang</strong><span> said: </span><em>“The Parliament has rightly recognised that the EU must boost renewables to meet its climate commitments, but should have kept the focus on real solutions, not bad bioenergy. Unlike governments across Europe that are blocking communities from phasing out dangerous coal and nuclear in favour of renewables, the Parliament strongly backs citizens’ rights to harvest and sell their own energy from sun and wind.”</em></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><a href="http://www.cedelft.eu/publicatie/the_potential_of_energy_citizens_in_the_european_union/1845" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&amp;q=http://www.cedelft.eu/publicatie/the_potential_of_energy_citizens_in_the_european_union/1845&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1516280625660000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFuYocmUuWaOpb0i7rHeOo3u5vdCA"><span>A 2016 report by CE Delft</span></a><span> shows that, with the right support, half of all EU citizens could produce their own electricity from renewables by 2050, meeting nearly half of the EU’s electricity demand. Power companies would provide the remainder of Europe’s renewable electricity.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>The European Parliament backed the continued use of bad bioenergy in the EU. Their proposal would, for example, allow member states to burn whole trees to meet their renewable energy targets, </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/14/eu-must-not-burn-the-worlds-forests-for-renewable-energy" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&amp;q=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/14/eu-must-not-burn-the-worlds-forests-for-renewable-energy&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1516280625660000&amp;usg=AFQjCNG5j7OxmdDM0G8WLJX-lUgOabEv7w"><span>which scientists</span><span> </span><span>agree</span></a><span> will increase emissions for decades and significantly contribute to forest degradation.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Energy ministers, who reached their </span><a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2017/Energy-ministers-coal-Christmas/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&amp;q=http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2017/Energy-ministers-coal-Christmas/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1516280625660000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGE5l1bWpFAXQyhG45DcfrxQExGwQ"><span>preliminary agreement on the full energy reform</span></a><span> package on 18 December, backed controversial subsidies for coal, nuclear and gas and weakened proposals to empower households, cooperatives and municipalities to produce and sell their own renewable energy. Three-way negotiations between the Council, Parliament and Commission will begin in the coming months.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>ENDS</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Contacts in Strasbourg:</strong></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Sebastian Mang, Greenpeace EU energy policy adviser</strong><span>: <a href="tel:+32%20479%2060%2012%2089" target="_blank">+32 479 60 1289</a>, </span><span>sebastian.mang</span><span>@<a href="http://greenpeace.org/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&amp;q=http://greenpeace.org&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1516280625660000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEr5Ib0kEGKD9T6zeXvquGaLP16ww">greenpeace.org</a></span>&nbsp;</p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>John Hyland, Greenpeace EU press officer</strong><span>: <a href="tel:+32%20471%2075%2089%2085" target="_blank">+32 471 75 89 85</a>, </span><span><a href="mailto:pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org" target="_blank">pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</a></span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span><strong>For media interviews in Brussels, please contact</strong>:</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span><strong>Tara Connolly, Greenpeace EU energy policy adviser</strong>:</span><span> <a href="tel:+32%20477%2079%2004%2016" target="_blank">+32 477 79 0416</a>, </span><span><a href="mailto:tara.connolly@greenpeace.org" target="_blank">tara.connolly@greenpeace.org</a></span>&nbsp;</p><p></p><p dir="ltr">For breaking news and comment on EU affairs: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&amp;q=http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1516280625660000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGgyt6OVIDB-8HVlsejPB1U3TFUQw">www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</a></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties.</span></p>Wed, 17 Jan 2018 13:03:00 Zclimate changejhyland598a746a-b84c-47bb-bd5b-f2fb56cc6d76http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2017/Energy-ministers-coal-Christmas/Energy ministers give Europeans coal for ChristmasBrussels – European energy ministers have backed coal and other fossil fuels over renewable energy, in the ongoing reform of the EU’s energy laws.<p dir="ltr"><span></span>The ministers moved to maintain controversial subsidies for energy utilities, including the most polluting coal plants. They also weakened European Commission proposals to empower households, cooperatives and municipalities to produce and sell their own renewable energy.</p><p></p><p><strong><a href="http://bit.ly/2BawpiF">**Print quality images from the media stunt outside the Council on 18 December available here**</a></strong></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Energy ministers also ignored calls by the European Parliament to raise the EU’s 2030 target for renewable energy. </span><a href="https://newclimateinstitute.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/cobenefits-of-indcs-october-2015.pdf" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&amp;q=https://newclimateinstitute.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/cobenefits-of-indcs-october-2015.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1513749919335000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFIutYF0EeLI_vaJtY4MyMzX_jXNg"><span>Projections show</span></a><span> that the current target is too low to meet the EU’s commitments under the Paris climate agreement.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Tara Connolly, Greenpeace EU energy policy adviser</strong><span>, said: </span><em>“Europe’s coal plants will think Christmas has come early as EU energy ministers stand ready to offer them near limitless subsidies. But European citizens were left out in the cold when the same ministers gutted proposals to support their rights to produce and sell renewable energy, especially at a time when we need all the renewables we can get to meet our climate commitments. The Parliament must now back renewable energy in the hands of the many, not dirty energy in the hands of the few.”</em></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>The text agreed by energy ministers would undermine European Commission proposals requiring national governments to justify public payments to power plants just to keep them on stand-by. Ministers also changed a Commission proposal to block existing coal plants from receiving these payments after 2025 if they emit over 550g of carbon dioxide per kilowatt hour, extending the subsidies until 2035. All new coal plants would be blocked from receiving these payments after 2025, while the Commission had proposed to cease payments in 2020.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>The European Parliament is expected to finalise its position on the renewable energy reform in a plenary vote during the third week of January 2018. The Parliament’s energy committee will vote on proposed changes to electricity market design on 21 February 2018, before a likely vote in plenary in March. Energy ministers are expected to confirm yesterday’s preliminary agreement on the full reform package at an energy council on 26 February before three-way negotiations with Commission and Parliament start in spring.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>**Print quality images from the media stunt outside the Council on 18 December available at: <a href="http://bit.ly/2BawpiF" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&amp;q=http://bit.ly/2BawpiF&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1513749919335000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGhpsxzxN-sQLj45qij4Ev10QT0Kw">http://bit.ly/2BawpiF</a>**</strong></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Contacts:</strong></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Tara Connolly, Greenpeace EU energy policy adviser</strong><span>: <a href="tel:+32%20477%2079%2004%2016" target="_blank">+32 477 79 04 16</a>, </span><span><a href="mailto:tara.connolly@greenpeace.org" target="_blank">tara.connolly@greenpeace.org</a></span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>John Hyland, Greenpeace EU press desk</strong><span>: <a href="tel:+32%20471%2075%2089%2085" target="_blank">+32 471 75 89 85</a>, </span><span><a href="mailto:pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org" target="_blank">pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</a></span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr">For breaking news and comment on EU affairs: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&amp;q=http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1513749919336000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGbF7Lu0zOsZqe4AVISWTWSUDdBBg">www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</a></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties.</span></p>Tue, 19 Dec 2017 06:06:00 Zclimate changejhylandaabeb811-9adb-415f-a3c5-96b2e46cd604http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2017/Greenpeace-comment-One-Planet-climate-summit/Greenpeace comment on One Planet climate summitParis/Brussels – A climate summit hosted by French president Emmanuel Macron on the second anniversary of the Paris climate agreement has ended with a surprise commitment from the World Bank but no major announcements from governments.<p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>The World Bank said that it would end investments in gas and oil exploration and extraction. But president Macron failed to make any meaningful announcement, only days before European ministers are due to debate the future of the continent’s climate and energy policies.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Commenting on the World Bank announcement, Greenpeace International climate campaigner Gyorgy Dallos</strong><span> said: </span><em>"The end is clearly coming for the oil and gas industry as the pace of change accelerates. After the historic announcement by the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund, NBIM, the World Bank – one of the world's most powerful financial institutions – has sent a damning vote of no confidence on the future of the fossil fuel industry. The world’s financial institutions now need to take note and decide whether their financing is going to be part of the problem or the solution.</em></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><em>“Critically, we also welcome the World Bank taking the challenge to set a unifying standard for green bonds. This is much needed especially considering the ongoing review of the China Green Bond Catalogue, which still includes coal.”</em></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Commenting on the One Planet climate summit, Greenpeace EU director Jorgo Riss</strong><span> said:</span><em> “Macron put on a grand show, but political leaders assembled outside Paris have little to show at the end of the conference. Europe is playing well below its potential on climate change and Macron’s empty words are not going to make a whole lot of difference. In Brussels, France fights much harder for its nuclear industry than for a transition to renewable energy and stands by while the likes of Spain and Poland seek subsidies for coal plants.</em></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><em>"Governments need to roll up their sleeves and get to work if Europe is to regain some of its credibility on climate change. They should start by raising the EU’s 2030 targets to cut greenhouse gases and increase the share of renewable energy."</em></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>The One Planet Summit precedes a meeting of EU energy ministers on 18 December to discuss the </span><a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2017/EU-2030-energy-package-community-power-renewables-transition"><span>future of the bloc’s energy policy</span></a><span>. Talks will be focussed on a new EU policy package which includes renewable energy, energy efficiency and climate goals for 2030.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>France has done nothing to prevent Spain and Poland from lobbying to allow coal plants to access subsidies under the EU’s energy policy package, and has opposed measures to make it easier for Europeans to produce, store and sell their own renewable energy.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Greenpeace France climate campaigner Sarah Fayolle </strong><span>added:</span><span> </span><em>“Emmanuel Macron claims he wants to celebrate the two-year anniversary of the Paris Agreement. But this is no time to celebrate: his government isn’t even able to comply with the French energy transition law.</em></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><em>“If France really wants to play a leading role in the development of renewable energy on a national, European and international scale, it must end its support for nuclear energy and shut down its reactors. Nuclear energy is now more expensive than most renewable energy sources across the world. Saving the climate, requires the most effective solutions. Nuclear is not part of it. What we need is concrete action, not communication operations.”</em></p><p></p><p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Contacts</strong><span>:</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Greenpeace International press desk</strong><span>: +31 (0)20 718 2470, </span><span><a href="mailto:pressdesk.int@greenpeace.org">pressdesk.int@greenpeace.org</a></span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Greenpeace EU press desk</strong>: +32 (0)2 274 1911, <a href="mailto:pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org">pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</a></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Greenpeace France</strong><span><strong>: Méryl Sotty</strong> - +33 (0)6 73 89 48 90, </span><a href="mailto:meryl.sotty@greenpeace.org"><span>meryl.sotty@greenpeace.org</span></a><span> - </span><span><br class="kix-line-break" /><br /></span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>For breaking news and comment on EU affairs: </span><span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU">www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</a></span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties.</span></p>Tue, 12 Dec 2017 19:00:00 Znuclearclimate changembreddy62e692d1-3f32-45af-aab5-99af8ef0c4ebhttp://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2017/EU-2030-energy-package-community-power-renewables-transition/EU 2030 energy package: community power holds key to renewables transitionIn the coming days and weeks, European governments and Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) will have a crucial say on the direction and pace of the European Union’s renewable energy transition.<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Two of the draft laws under discussion - on the development of renewable energy and the redesign of the European electricity market - could prove instrumental in boosting Europe’s role in the global fight against climate change and in ensuring the EU meets its commitment to help limit global temperature increase to 1.5°C. The new rules would apply between 2021 and 2030.</p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>The choice that MEPs and governments face is between an outdated energy model that relies heavily on centralised electricity production from coal, gas and nuclear energy, and a cutting-edge distributed system which would allow millions of individuals and local communities to produce, use and sell renewable electricity. The current system is controlled by a handful of heavily subsidised companies, but the transformation of Europe’s energy model would trigger a democratic breakthrough, with citizens across Europe producing their own affordable renewable energy.</span></p><p></p><table style="border-color: #000000; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid;"><p></p><tbody><p></p><tr><p></p><td><strong>Greenpeace EU energy policy adviser Tara Connolly&nbsp;</strong>said:&nbsp;<em>“It’s time for European governments to embrace the 21st century’s technical revolution in favour of a renewable-powered future for everyone. Clinging to the past would be a triple blow: denying citizens access to cheap, renewable energy, while using their taxes to subsidise power companies and pick up the tab for the health and climate impacts of fossil fuels.”</em></td><p></p></tr><p></p></tbody><p></p></table><p></p><pre dir="ltr">&nbsp;</pre><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Energy democracy</strong></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Some measures being considered would enable Europeans to take a more active role in the energy transition by, for example, installing smart meters or investing in solar panels. For the first time, the EU would recognise a universal right for citizens to produce, store and sell renewable electricity, free from punitive charges, including tariffs for access to the grid.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Greenpeace is campaigning for households to be entitled to a fair payment for the electricity they feed into the grid, and for renewable energy community projects to have equal access to project tenders and financing.</span><span><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Community or citizen energy</span><span> has an enormous and largely untapped potential. A </span><a href="http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2016/160926%20Potential%20of%20energy%20citizens%20-%20media%20briefing.pdf"><span>report by CE Delft</span></a><span>, commissioned by Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, REScoop.eu and EREF in 2016, showed that over 112 million energy citizens could meet 19 per cent of Europe’s electricity demand by 2030. By 2050, over 264 million Europeans - half of all EU citizens - could produce as much as 45 per cent of Europe’s electricity demand.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/1uf94XWmQ1-JSNQm6EYO8G7kPATPiADzzE8pt8qSYyQopv9e5NGlTQVsvHHpHQz0TROuLeCmKiMjLzgEloJ6g_5U9-FJlmSgixGdKE6yTlR9P4edJt9lPCTJMRMHm9FLxrlU-kz-" alt="" width="289" height="259" /></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>By making the right choices today, the next decade could see households, local cooperatives, cities and small businesses massively investing in renewables to power everything from schools to businesses. Citizen energy can also help tackle energy poverty through so-called ‘social solar’ public projects that provide low-income households with access to cheap, affordable renewable energy, instead of giving them money to heat their homes with fossil fuels.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Fossil fuel subsidies</strong></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>European policymakers are also considering so-called </span><span>capacity mechanisms</span><span>, which would funnel taxpayers’ money to power companies just to keep uneconomic power plants on standby as backup for potential power shortages. However, Europe has more power plants than are necessary to meet its energy needs. This means subsidies are rarely justified and merely delay the inevitable shutdown of some of the most polluting and unsafe coal, nuclear and gas plants in Europe.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Capacity mechanisms are costly. For instance, the UK has awarded capacity payments worth </span><span>£</span><span>4.8 billion (€5.4 billion) over a period of just three years. Poland’s planned capacity market is expected to cost as much as zł90 billion (€21.4 billion). This money could instead be used to accelerate the transition to renewable energy.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>The Commission has proposed important but insufficient conditions on capacity mechanisms. These include regular mandatory European mapping of available energy resources to be carried out by European grid operators in order to identify legitimate needs. The Commission also proposes to include all technologies in capacity mechanisms (including renewables and batteries for energy storage) and to exclude new coal plants from 2020 but existing coal plants only after 2025.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Where does the European Parliament stand?</strong></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>The EU’s 2030 climate and energy targets are far from adequate and incompatible with the objectives of the Paris climate agreement. Greenpeace supports a 2030 renewable energy target of at least 45 per cent, as a step towards an electricity system entirely powered by renewables by 2050. In addition, the EU should continue to set binding national renewables targets for the period after 2020, ensuring governments are accountable for their contributions to the overall EU target.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>On 28 November 2017, the European Parliament’s energy committee supported an increase of the renewables target from 27 to 35 per cent. However, it also recommended a 10 per cent leeway that would effectively reduce this target to 31.5 per cent. It did not back national renewable targets.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>On the other hand, the committee recognised the right of Europeans to produce and sell their own renewable electricity, free from punitive charges, levies and taxes. It also recommended restrictions on access to capacity mechanisms to guard against market distortions. These restrictions include having to prove that there is a real risk of power cuts in the absence of payments.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>What are governments saying?</strong></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Council negotiations are ongoing. </span><span><strong>Greece</strong>,</span><span> </span><span><strong>Belgium</strong> </span><span>and </span><strong>Hungary</strong><span> have expressed support for citizen energy. </span><strong>Spain</strong><span> and </span><strong>Germany</strong><span>,</span><span> </span><span>supported by </span><strong>France</strong><span> and the </span><strong>UK</strong><span>, have sided with power companies and are working against greater energy democracy.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Many governments, including the </span><span><strong>Netherlands</strong> </span><span>and</span><span><strong> Denmark</strong> </span><span>are opposed to </span><span>capacity mechanisms </span><span>and want robust energy mapping. The </span><strong>UK</strong><span>, </span><strong>France</strong><span>, </span><span><strong>Italy</strong> </span><span>and </span><strong>Ireland</strong><span> on the other hand want to set up long-term capacity schemes without robust mapping. The&nbsp;</span><strong>Netherlands&nbsp;</strong>is siding with&nbsp;<strong>Denmark</strong>, <strong>Sweden</strong> and <strong>Finland</strong> in wanting to exclude new coal plants from capacity mechanisms, while <strong>Spain</strong>, <strong>Poland</strong> and <strong>Greece</strong> are strongly opposed to such restrictions. <strong>Germany</strong> has stopped short of fully excluding coal from mechanisms as they want them to be eligible for certain types of schemes.</p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Policy timeline</strong></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>November 2016</strong><span>: Commission releases package of policy proposals, dubbed the clean energy for all Europeans package, to achieve the 2030 targets.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>28 November 2017</strong><span>: European Parliament energy committee votes on renewable energy proposals.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>18 December 2017</strong><span>: European energy ministers meeting in Brussels expected to come to a preliminary agreement on renewable energy and power market reform proposals.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>January 2018</strong><span>: Parliament plenary votes on renewable energy proposals.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>February 2018</strong><span>: European Parliament energy committee votes on electricity market reform.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>26 February 2018</strong><span>: Energy Council expected to adopt formal position on renewable energy and electricity market proposals.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>March 2018</strong><span>: expected start of trialogue negotiations between the Parliament and Council on both files.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span><strong>Contacts</strong>:</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Tara Connolly - Greenpeace EU energy policy director</strong><span>: +32 (0)477 790416, </span><a href="mailto:tara.connolly@greenpeace.org"><span>tara.connolly@greenpeace.org</span></a></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Sebastian Mang - Greenpeace EU energy policy adviser</strong><span>: +32 (0)479 601289, </span><span><a href="mailto:sebastian.mang@greenpeace.org">sebastian.mang@greenpeace.org</a></span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Greenpeace EU press desk</strong><span>: +32 (0)2 274 1911 </span><span><a href="mailto:pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org">pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</a></span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>For breaking news and comment on EU affairs: </span><strong><a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU">www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</a></strong></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties.</span></p>Fri, 01 Dec 2017 08:01:00 Zclimate changembreddyaea227bc-87ae-40d6-b942-e2d1cee3b60ehttp://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2017/EU-parliament-backs-people-power/EU Parliament backs people-powered renewables but aims too lowThe European Parliament’s energy committee voted today to recognise the right of Europeans to produce and sell their own renewable electricity.<p></p><p></p><p>The committee approved amendments to the EU’s renewable energy rules that would make self-consumed electricity free from punitive charges, levies and taxes. This would make Spain’s controversial ‘sun tax’ illegal under EU rules. The ‘sun tax’ forces Spanish solar panel owners to pay for the electricity they produce and consume themselves.</p><p></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace EU energy policy adviser Sebastian Mang</strong> said: <em>“The Parliament recognises that every European should have the right to produce, consume and sell renewable energy, but it’s unrealistically pessimistic when it comes to the EU’s renewables target. Just like nobody would force Messi to play in the Belgian third division, playing European citizens at the front of the energy transition only makes sense if they can reach their full potential.”</em></p><p></p><p>The energy committee also said 35 per cent of the EU’s energy should come from renewables by 2030. In 2014, European governments suggested a target of 27 per cent and, in 2016, the European Commission supported this target. But the committee supported a loophole that would allow EU countries a ten per cent leeway on the proposed 35 per cent target. This could lower the mandatory share of renewables in 2030 to only 31.5 per cent.</p><p></p><p>The committee also failed to support binding renewables targets for each EU country. With no binding national targets after 2020, the EU could find it harder to hold governments accountable for insufficient contributions to the overall EU target.</p><p></p><p><strong>Potential of people-powered renewables</strong></p><p></p><p>A <a href="http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2016/160926%20Potential%20of%20energy%20citizens%20-%20media%20briefing.pdf">report by CE Delft</a> released by Greenpeace last year shows that, with the right support, half of all EU citizens could produce their own electricity by 2050, meeting nearly half of the EU’s electricity demand. Power companies would provide the remainder of Europe’s renewable electricity.</p><p></p><p>To limit global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees, as agreed at the Paris climate conference in 2015, the EU must increase its renewable energy target to at least 45 per cent by 2030, and transition to a system entirely powered by renewables within a generation, warned Greenpeace.</p><p></p><p><strong>Background</strong></p><p></p><p>The EU is currently deciding the future of its energy system through the revision of wide-ranging legislation covering renewable energy policy, fossil fuel subsidies and the design of the electricity market. The European Commission’s proposals were published in November 2016, branded as the ‘<em>Clean energy for all Europeans’</em> package.</p><p></p><p>Aside from today’s vote on the renewables directive, the Parliament’s energy committee is expected to vote on the reform of electricity market rules in February 2018. The full Parliament will then vote on both files in early 2018.</p><p></p><p>Energy ministers from all EU countries will meet on 18 December 2017 in Brussels to come to a preliminary Council agreement on the planned reforms, in preparation for negotiations with the Parliament in the spring and summer of 2018.</p><p></p><p><strong>Contacts:</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Sebastian Mang - Greenpeace EU energy policy adviser: </strong>+32 (0)479 601289, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:sebastian.mang@greenpeace.org">sebastian.mang@greenpeace.org </a></span></p><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace EU press desk</strong>:+32 (0)2 274 1911, <a href="mailto:pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org">pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</a></p><p></p><p>For breaking news and comment on EU affairs: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU"><strong>www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</strong></a></p><p></p><p>Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties.</p>Tue, 28 Nov 2017 09:30:00 Zclimate changejhylandf4fce198-42ba-406b-aae0-e4e444c8fb36http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2017/Commission-narrow-vision-renewables-mobility/Commission shows narrow vision on renewable-powered shared mobility, GreenpeaceBrussels – A package of policy measures for the transport sector released by the European Commission fails to deliver an ambitious vision of shared mobility powered by renewable energy, said Greenpeace.<p><strong>Greenpeace EU climate policy director Ansgar Kiene</strong> said: <em>“These measures are fundamentally held back by the 20th-century obsession with the passenger car and the combustion engine. Cities and governments across Europe are way ahead of the game, exposing the car lobby’s influence on the Commission. Only with fewer cars on the roads, a firm commitment to renewable energy, and better access to clean, smart and shared modes of transport can the EU meet its climate change targets and improve the air we breathe.”</em></p><p></p><p>Since 2013, greenhouse gas emissions from the EU’s transport sector have been steadily increasing. According to the European Environment Agency, road transport accounts for 73 per cent of transport emissions in Europe and 44.5 per cent of that comes from passenger cars.</p><p></p><p><strong>Contacts</strong>:</p><p></p><p><strong>Ansgar Kiene,</strong> Greenpeace EU climate and energy adviser: +32 (0)476 961375, <a href="mailto:ansgar.kiene@greenpeace.org">ansgar.kiene@greenpeace.org</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace EU press desk</strong>: +32 (0)2 274 1911, <a href="mailto:pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org">pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</a></p><p></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p></p><p>For breaking news and comment on EU affairs:<a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU"> www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</a></p><p></p><p>Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties.</p>Wed, 08 Nov 2017 12:00:00 Zclimate changembreddy7f314759-5d66-48e2-b239-6731c5376c66http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2017/tighten-rules-subsidies-coal/Tighten rules on subsidies for coal, says European Parliament draft planRules governing subsidies for coal power plants should be tightened, according to a draft plan published today by MEP Krišjānis Kariņš. Kariņš said that so-called ‘capacity mechanisms’, whereby governments pay old coal and nuclear plants to stay on standby, are subsidies which “make little to no sense when there is overcapacity in the EU”.<p dir="ltr"><span>In his plan, he further tightens the requirements that member states must fulfil prior to giving taxpayers’ money to coal and nuclear energy. Kariņš’s plan kicks off discussions in the European Parliament’s industry and energy committee on the EU’s reform of the electricity market. </span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Sebastian Mang, climate &amp; energy policy adviser with Greenpeace EU</strong>, said: <em>“Mr Kariņš rightly recognises that it makes absolutely no sense to subsidise old, polluting power stations. In fact, the Parliament should rule out any use of fossil fuel subsidies. However, Kariņš proposal to remove priority dispatch and access for renewables is beyond nonsensical. To meet its climate change commitments, the EU must run on 100 per cent renewable energy before mid-century. Only if the EU prioritises renewable energy can it achieve this.”</em></p><p></p><p dir="ltr">Kariņš’s proposal fails to restore ‘priority dispatch’ and ‘priority access’, rules that ensure that electricity grid operators draw power from renewables first, reducing the use of fossil fuels. Removing these rules would mean that, in times of overproduction, wind turbines could be switched off while fossil fuel plants stay online.</p><p></p><p dir="ltr">The draft position will be presented to the industry and energy committee on 10/11 July. On 10/11 October, MEPs on the committee will discuss and amend the position. The committee is expected to vote on 27 or 28 November, before the Parliament finalises its position in a plenary vote in the first half of 2018.</p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Contacts:</strong></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Sebastian Mang, climate &amp; energy policy adviser with Greenpeace EU</strong><span>: </span><span>+32 (0) 22 74 1905,</span><span> </span><a href="mailto:sebastian.mang@greenpeace.org"><span>sebastian.mang@greenpeace.org</span></a></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Greenpeace EU press desk</strong><span>: +32 (0)2 274 1911, </span><a href="mailto:pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org"><span>pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</span></a></p><p></p><p dir="ltr">For breaking news and comment on EU affairs: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU">www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</a></p><p></p><p dir="ltr">Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties.</p><p></p><p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>Wed, 21 Jun 2017 15:36:00 Zclimate changejhyland0b27e597-c493-4a43-9392-79df9e652113http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2017/EU-China-must-lead-shift-to-renewables/EU-China statement must lead shift to renewables, GreenpeaceBrussels, 1 June – The EU and China’s renewed commitment to fighting climate change must be backed up by a decisive shift to renewable energy, said Greenpeace. The EU-China joint statement comes amid reports of an imminent US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement on climate change.<p><strong>&nbsp; <a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/press/releases/2017/Climate-outcast-Trump-surrenders-US-global-leadership---Greenpeace/">**For the Greenpeace reaction to the announcement of the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, click here**</a>&nbsp;</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Ansgar Kiene, climate and energy campaigner at Greenpeace EU</strong>, said: “There is a real opportunity for the technical prowess of both EU and China to shine as they switch from dirty power stations to wind and solar. With more than 1.1 million people employed in the renewables sector in the EU and more than 3.5 million in China, both are leagues ahead of the US. But the real game-changer is in unlocking the potential of citizens producing, investing in and consuming renewable energy smartly.”&nbsp;</p><p></p><p>&nbsp;<br /><strong>Li Shuo, climate policy advisor at Greenpeace East Asia</strong>, said: “We are seeing much needed leadership emerge from the EU and China today; the will to take responsibility for climate action irrespective of Trump’s fickle stance. But both Beijing and Brussels now have to follow words with action to reap tangible benefits, as well as bragging rights, from a speedy transition to renewable energy.”<br />&nbsp;<br />The statement is expected to highlight the social and economic benefits of climate action and gives details on how the EU and China will move ahead under the UN climate convention (UNFCCC) process. This includes a call on all countries to “strengthen efforts over time”. For the EU this should mean setting more ambitious emissions, renewables and efficiency targets and prioritising access and support for renewables. The European Parliament <a href="http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Templates/Planet3/Pages/DetailPage.aspx?id=492684">recently called</a> for an increase in the EU’s 2030 renewable target to between 35 and 45 per cent, compared to the current 27 per cent target. With the right support, <a href="http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Templates/Planet3/Pages/DetailPage.aspx?id=485528">half of all EU citizens could produce their own electricity by 2050,</a> meeting 45 per cent of the EU’s electricity demand.<br />&nbsp;<br />For recent employment figures in the renewables sector see the annual review of the <a href="http://www.irena.org/menu/index.aspx?mnu=Subcat&amp;PriMenuID=36&amp;CatID=141&amp;SubcatID=2729">International Renewable Energy Agency</a>. <br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Contact</strong>: <br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Ansgar Kiene, Greenpeace EU climate and energy campaigner</strong>: +32 (0)2 274 1919, <a href="mailto:ansgar.kiene@greenpeace.org">ansgar.kiene@greenpeace.org</a><br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Li Shuo, senior global policy advisor (climate &amp; ocean) Greenpeace East Asia</strong>: <br />(86) 152-0168-1548, <a href="mailto:li.shuo@greenpeace.org">li.shuo@greenpeace.org</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace EU press desk</strong>: +32 (0)2 274 1911, <a href="mailto:pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org">pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</a></p><p></p><p>For breaking news and comment on EU affairs: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU">www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</a><br />&nbsp;<br />Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties.</p>Thu, 01 Jun 2017 10:21:00 Zclimate changelullmann7662e9e0-7e13-4547-9264-95287382ca88http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2017/parliament-fires-up-energy-transition/European Parliament fires up Europe’s energy transitionEuropean Parliament proposals to increase the EU’s share of renewable energy to a minimum of 35 per cent, and to set binding targets for each EU country, are a step in the right direction, said Greenpeace.<p dir="ltr"><span>The European Parliament’s draft opinion on the proposed overhaul of EU renewables laws, to be published later today by rapporteur José Blanco López, could pave the way towards meaningful climate action in the EU.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Sebastian Mang, climate and energy policy adviser with Greenpeace EU</strong>, said: “<em>The Parliament is right to ramp up the EU’s renewable energy targets and to require each country do their share to fight climate change. But Mr Blanco López is in danger of compromising too soon, he can and should prioritise access for renewables and give people real control of their energy bills. Renewable energy ranks amongst the cheapest in Europe, and decentralised ownership in solar and wind generation allows communities to switch off dirty coal and nuclear while maximising the benefits of producing and consuming energy locally.”</em></p><p></p><p dir="ltr">Mr Blanco López’s draft report proposes a 35 per cent renewable energy target for the EU, compared to the EU’s current 27 per cent target. But it falls short of the<a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2017/EU-climate-leadership-boost-renewables/"> 45 per cent target proposed by a sister report</a>, co-authored by MEPs Claude Turmes and Michele Rivasi. Mr Blanco López also proposes to remove taxes and charges which block people from producing and consuming their own electricity at home, such as Spain’s controversial ‘sun tax’.<a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/2016/Media-briefing-Potential-for-citizen-produced-electricity-in-the-EU/"> With the right support, half of all EU citizens could produce their own electricity by 2050, meeting 45 per cent of the EU’s electricity demand.</a></p><p></p><p dir="ltr">The plan fails to restore ‘priority access’, the system by which electricity grids draw power from renewable sources first, and increases the role of auctioning in renewable energy support schemes. The latter would force energy cooperatives to compete on uneven terms with big utilities for government support.</p><p></p><p dir="ltr">The Parliament response to the revision of the renewable energy directive will be submitted to the industry and energy committee on 21 June. MEPs on the committee are due to discuss the proposals on 4 September and to submit their position to plenary, after a Committee vote scheduled on 11/12 October. The plenary is likely to vote around the end of the year.</p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Contacts:</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Sebastian Mang, climate &amp; energy policy adviser with Greenpeace EU</strong>: +32 (0)2 274 1905, sebastian.mang@greenpeace.org</p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Greenpeace EU press desk</strong>: +32 (0)2 274 1911, pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</p><p></p><p>For breaking news and comment on EU affairs:<a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU"> www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</a></p><p></p><p>Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties.</p><p></p><p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>Mon, 22 May 2017 13:30:00 Zclimate changejhyland0ed7b036-2f22-47d1-bf25-0f174804bb44http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2017/EU-climate-leadership-boost-renewables/EU could retake climate leadership under new EP plan to boost renewablesA new plan by key members of the European Parliament would help the EU retake global leadership on climate change, just as the US dithers on its commitments under the Paris climate agreement, said Greenpeace.<p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>In a response to a draft EU energy law by the European Commission, the MEPs leading on the file for the Parliament, Claude Turmes and Michele Rivasi, said the EU should produce 45 per cent of its electricity from renewables by 2030. The Commission’s draft of the ‘Governance of the Energy Union Regulation’ – one of a package of EU policy proposals on energy – suggests a 27 per cent target.</p><p></p><p><strong>Sebastian Mang, climate &amp; energy policy adviser with Greenpeace EU</strong>, said: <em>“National governments and the Commission have so far failed to back up promises made in Paris with decisive action. The Parliament’s plan would set the EU on the necessary path towards 100 per cent renewable energy, and is the first sign that Europe will rise to the challenge of climate change. The EU must reclaim the mantle of world leader on climate change, as the new US administration dithers on climate action.”</em></p><p></p><p>The Parliament plan will be submitted to the industry and energy committee on 21 June. On 4 September, MEPs on the committee will discuss and amend the response. The committee is expected to vote on the final plan on 11/12 October, before a final plenary vote around the end of the year.</p><p></p><p><strong>Contacts:</strong></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Sebastian Mang, climate &amp; energy policy adviser with Greenpeace EU: </strong><span>+32 (0)2 274 1905,</span><span> </span><a href="mailto:sebastian.mang@greenpeace.org"><span>sebastian.mang@greenpeace.org</span></a></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Greenpeace EU press desk</strong><span>: +32 (0)2 274 1911, </span><a href="mailto:pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org"><span>pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</span></a></p><p></p><p>For breaking news and comment on EU affairs: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU">www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</a></p><p></p><p>Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties.</p><p></p><p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>Wed, 17 May 2017 13:41:00 Zclimate changejhyland57e3017b-acc4-4547-b8c4-c9e187c54f8bhttp://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/2017/Open-letter-presidents-EU-China-summit/Open letter to Tusk, Juncker and Tajani on EU-China summitGreenpeace wrote to EU Council president Donald Tusk, European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker and European Parliament president Antonio Tajani calling on them to use the EU-China summit to lead on action against climate change.<a href="http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2017/20170426%20letter%20to%20EU%20Presidents%20EU-China%20summit.pdf" target="_blank">20170426 letter to EU Presidents EU-China summit</a><br/><p></p><p>The letter urged the three presidents to ensure that the G7 and EU-China summits build on the Paris Agreement to accelerate climate action and pursue a transition to 100 per cent renewable energy, scaling up the global political momentum towards a phase-out of fossil fuels. The letter called on the EU and its partners to publicly oppose all attempts to undermine or call into question the Paris Agreement and instead move the climate agenda forward, with or without the U.S.</p>Wed, 03 May 2017 09:11:00 Zclimate changejhyland6baf4e81-90be-4008-a420-ec091ea20bc6http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/2017/Open-letter-to-Juncker-and-Timmermans-requesting-active-intervention-in-support-of-civil-society-and-democracy-in-Europe/Open letter to Juncker and Timmermans requesting active intervention in support of civil society and democracy in EuropeLeading civil society organisations in Europe have written to Commission President Juncker and Vice-President Timmermans to request your active intervention in In view of the situation in Hungary. <p></p><p> The Hungarian government’s recent moves to stigmatise civil society organisations and by the possible forced closure of the Central European University. These developments will have severe negative implications for Hungarian society, social and human rights and the environment. They are unprecedented in the EU and constitute a serious blow to European<br />values, including freedom of academic exchange.</p><p></p><p>In keeping with the values of the European Union, the seven organisations urge the Commission to ensure that all Members States defend the role of civil society in promoting open and accountable societies.</p><p></p><p><a href="http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2017/20170411_letter%20to%20COM%20on%20situation%20inHungary_FINAL%20with%20logos.pdf">Read the full letter</a></p>Tue, 11 Apr 2017 13:51:00 Zoceansagriculturenuclearclimate changeforeststoxicsother issueslullmanna2b658c0-22d8-4594-8ffb-aa5c339d7869http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/2017/Open-letter-on-the-independence-and-transparency-of-ECHAs-Risk-Assessment-Committee/Open letter on the independence and transparency of ECHA’s Risk Assessment Committee20 health and environmental organisations wrote to the Executive Director of the European Chemicals Agency, Mr. Geert Dancet, to express concerns regarding conflicts of interest and transparency at the agency.<p><em>This page was updated on 14 March to include a second letter from ECHA to Greenpeace dated 10 March.</em></p><p></p><p>According to ECHA's own standards, the chairman and two members of the Risk Assessment Agency appear to breach the agency’s own conflict of interest rules. The organisations also criticise ECHA’s practice of basing assessments on unpublished industry studies. <br /><br />ECHA’s Risk Assessment Committee is <a href="https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/22932537/rac_40_agenda_en.pdf/81de9087-84fd-aca7-9662-bebef1da1d29">meeting on 8 and 15</a> March to discuss the health and environmental impacts caused by the use of glyphosate.</p><p></p><p><a href="http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2017/20170306_Open_Letter_ECHA_CoI_Concerns.pdf">NGO letter to ECHA</a> (March 6)</p><p></p><p><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7M6sIHEjPjtbmdod3AxV18xUUU/view">ECHA's response</a> (March 7)</p><p></p><p><a href="http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2017/20170308_response_to_ECHA_about_conflicts_of_interest.pdf">Letter expressing Greenpeace's heightened concerns</a> (March 8)</p><p></p><p><a href="http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2017/20170310%20ECHA%20reply%20to%20Greenpeace%20on%20conflicts%20of%20interest%20glyphosate.pdf">Second ECHA letter</a> (10 March)</p>Tue, 07 Mar 2017 09:18:00 Zoceansagriculturenuclearclimate changeforeststoxicsother issueslullmann490c41d2-22ec-4095-a5f7-ed5cd6be2b92http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2017/Lacklustre-drive-for-renewables-threatens-energy-transition-/Lacklustre drive for renewables threatens energy transition Brussels – The energy package being discussed by EU energy ministers today could endanger the transition to renewable energy and falls well below the action needed, warned Greenpeace. The “Clean Energy for All” package is meant to be the main set of rules for the EU to help limit global temperature increase to 1.5°C, as agreed in Paris. This necessitates a phase-out of all fossil fuel uses and transition to renewables within a generation. <p></p><p></p><p>However, the Commission’s proposals would reduce support for renewables in comparison with existing legislation and would leave the door open to subsidies for coal, gas and nuclear power. The EU energy ministers are expected to broadly endorse the package. While a number of countries are likely to ask for more ambitious rules on renewables. Poland, on the other hand, is expected to reject the plans outright, demanding more room to subsidise coal.</p><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace EU energy policy adviser Sebastian Mang said:</strong>&nbsp;<em>“Several European governments are promoting huge pay-outs for dirty fossil fuels in discussions on the next EU energy package. At the same time, EU investments in renewables decreased from 112 billion euros in 2011 to 54 billion in 2016. Renewables are better for the planet and they literally encourage people power – power generated by people. Instead of propping up a harmful, doomed industry, our governments should invest in a clean and just energy transition enabling all Europeans to reap the benefits of renewables.” </em></p><p></p><p>The Council debate will be streamed at <a href="http://video.consilium.europa.eu/en/webcast/143ec926-a910-4bc7-87ee-5fa49fc7e10e">http://video.consilium.europa.eu/en/webcast/143ec926-a910-4bc7-87ee-5fa49fc7e10e</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Contacts</strong>:</p><p></p><p><strong>Sebastian Mang</strong> - Greenpeace EU energy policy adviser: +32 (0)479 60 12 89, <a href="mailto:sebastian.mang@greenpeace.org">sebastian.mang@greenpeace.org</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace EU press desk</strong>: +32 (0)2 274 1911, <a href="mailto:pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org">pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</a></p><p></p><p>For breaking news and comment on EU affairs:<a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU" target="_blank"> www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</a></p><p></p><p>Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties.</p>Mon, 27 Feb 2017 09:08:00 Zclimate changeLaura Ullmannb66b801d-246b-4440-9580-bd7a579d5a5ehttp://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2016/EU-lifeline-to-coal-could-derail-renewable-energy-transition/EU lifeline to coal could derail renewable energy transitionBrussels, 30 November 2016 – A package of policy proposals released today by the European Commission threatens to derail efforts to accelerate the roll-out of renewables, while prolonging subsidies for coal, warned Greenpeace.<p></p><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace EU energy policy adviser Tara Connolly</strong> said: <em>“These draft laws are designed for polluting power companies, not for European citizens. Not only is the Commission slamming on the brakes on renewables, it wants to let governments dole out cash to almost all coal power stations in Europe for at least another decade. If this goes ahead, it will seriously impact the EU’s ability to meet its Paris climate commitments and constrain the potential of citizens as renewable energy producers.”</em></p><p></p><p>The measures proposed by the Commission include subsidies known as ‘capacity payments’, which are expected to benefit coal, gas and nuclear power under the pretence of ‘keeping the lights on’. In fact, the EU electricity market is already suffering from a surplus in capacity. At least 95 per cent of coal power plants would be eligible to receive capacity payments until 2026, under the Commission’s proposals to only apply a CO2 threshold for new plants. After 2026, all power plants claiming capacity payments would have to be under the threshold of 550g of CO2 per kilowatt/hour.&nbsp;</p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>The Commission also proposes to drop an existing rule that requires the </span><span>power grid</span><span> to take available energy from renewables before energy from polluting coal and nuclear plants. This is likely to lead to more instances where renewables are switched off – particularly at times of oversupply – because it is easier to turn off wind or solar power than coal and nuclear plants.</span>&nbsp;</p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>These measures are expected to block new investments in renewables.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr">At the same time, the Commission proposal promotes the role of citizens and cooperatives to produce, consume, store and sell their own renewable energy. However, it proposes to limit the size of renewables cooperatives by capping projects at 18 megawatts per year.</p><p></p><div dir="ltr">A recent <a href="http://www.cedelft.eu/publicatie/the_potential_of_energy_citizens_in_the_european_union/1845">report</a> commissioned by Greenpeace finds that over 112 million energy citizens could meet 19 per cent of Europe’s electricity demand by 2030. By 2050, over 264 million Europeans, or half of all EU citizens, could meet up to 45 per cent of Europe’s electricity demand.</div><p></p><p dir="ltr">The full package of Commission policy proposals aims to help the EU meet its 2030 targets to cut carbon emissions and boost renewable energy and energy efficiency. Yet, it is unlikely to fulfil the EU’s contribution to the pledge to limit global temperature increase to 1.5°C, as agreed in last year’s Paris climate deal.</p><p></p><div dir="ltr">The process to agree the draft policy measures with the European Parliament and national governments is expected to take at least 18 months. EU energy ministers will meet for a first discussion about the proposals on 5 December.</div><p></p><p></p><div dir="ltr">--</div><p></p><div dir="ltr"><p></p><p><strong><span><span><a href="http://bit.ly/WinterPackage16">* Analysis of the European Commission’s proposals is available here: bit.ly/WinterPackage16 *</a></span></span></strong></p><p></p><p><strong><span><span>Contacts</span></span></strong><span><span>:</span></span></p><p></p><p><span><strong><span>Greenpeace EU press desk</span></strong></span><span><span>: +32 (0)2 274 1911, </span></span><a href="mailto:pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org"><span><span>pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</span></span></a></p><p></p><p><span><strong><span>Tara Connolly</span></strong></span><span><span>: +32 (0)477 790416, </span></span><span><span><a href="mailto:tara.connolly@greenpeace.org">tara.connolly@greenpeace.org</a></span></span></p><p></p><p><span><span>This press comment is also available on:</span></span><a href="http://www.greenpeace.eu/"><span><span> </span><strong><span>www.greenpeace.eu</span></strong></span></a></p><p></p><p><span><span>For breaking news and comment on EU affairs:</span></span><span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU"><span>&nbsp;</span><strong><span>www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</span></strong></a></span></p><p></p><p><span><span>Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties.</span></span></p><p></p></div>Wed, 30 Nov 2016 12:15:00 Znuclearclimate changejhyland