EU to exceed 20% renewable energy by 2020

The EU could exceed its 20% renewable energy target by 2020, according to the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA).
“Taken together the Action Plans show that the EU-27 will meet 20.7% of its 2020 energy consumption from renewables,” says Justin Wilkes, Director of EWEA. National Action Plans show that 34% of EU electricity demand could be supplied from renewable sources by 2020.

Wind power is set to generate 14% of Europe’s total electricity demand (494 TWh from 213 GW installed capacity) in 2020, up from 4.2% in 2009. Ireland could have the highest wind energy penetration level at 36.4% of its total electricity demand, followed by Denmark at 31%.

Fifteen of the member states plan to exceed their national targets with Bulgaria at 2.8% above target, Spain 2.7%, Greece 2.2%, Hungary 1.7% and Germany 1.6%. Ten states are set to meet their renewable energy target, whereas Luxembourg and Italy will need to use the cooperation mechanisms to meet their targets.

“It is very encouraging that 25 of the 27 EU countries intend to either exceed or meet their target,” Wilkes says. “This shows the vast majority of EU countries clearly understand the benefits of deploying renewable energy technologies, particularly wind power.”

The 34% of EU electricity demand to be met by renewable sources in 2020 would be made up of 14.1% wind (10% onshore and 4% offshore), 10.5% hydro, 6.6% biomass, 2.7% solar PV, 0.5% CSP, 0.3% geothermal and 0.1% ocean.