Research and Markets: Europe Renewable Energy Policy Handbook 2010

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/fda3e0/europe_renewable_e) has announced the addition of GlobalData 's new report "Europe Renewable Energy Policy Handbook 2010" to their offering.

Europe Renewable Energy Policy Handbook 2010 provides an in-depth analysis of the renewable policy initiatives in the European Union (EU) and the key countries in terms of strength of policy implementation. The report provides trends and information on renewable energy policies in Europe and analyzes some of the driving forces for the renewable energy sector. It details the key policy instruments adopted by the governments in European countries and analyzes the different forms of incentives and subsidies provided for the development of the renewable energy equipment market. The report also provides information on key countries in Europe that are investing in renewable energy. The report also includes information on the renewable energy initiatives and legislative frameworks which are driving the renewable energy equipment market in Europe. Various financial instruments such as tax reforms, subsidies and preferential loans for the development of renewable energy sector is included in the report. The report also analyzes the impact of market instruments such as feed-in-tariffs on renewable energy sector.

The EUs New Directive to Promote Renewables Will Bolster the Share of Renewable Energy in the Member States

A new EU directive on renewable energy, agreed in December 2008, requires each member state to increase its share of renewable energy, such as solar, wind or hydro, in the primary energy mix from the current 8.5% to 20% by 2020. A 10% share of 'green fuels' in transport is also included within the overall EU target (EurActiv 05/12/08).

The EU, Renewable Energy Targets Set Under the 2008 Directive

As per the binding agreement signed by every nation in the 27-member EU, the share of renewable energy ought to be increased by 5.5% from 2005 levels by 2020 and the remaining would be calculated based on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the region.

There are interim targets set to ascertain the consistent advancement towards the accomplishment of targets by 2020. The interim targets are as follows:

20% average between 2011 and 2012;
30% average between 2013 and 2014;
45% average between 2015 and 2016, and;
65% average between 2017 and 2018.

The Member countries can choose the preferred mix of renewables to achieve the overall targets. The new proposal mandates the submission of National Action Plans (NAPs) depending on the targets. Moreover, the Member States ought to submit progress reports every two years across electricity, heating and cooling, and transport.

Strong and Stable Policy Initiatives Will Drive the Growth of Ethanol and Biofuel Markets

Biofuels account for 5-6% of the total transportation fuels in 2010 and it has not experienced a significant change from 2009. The lack of a stable policy framework for biofuels dissuades investors in this sector. The usage of biofuels has declined after the government withdrew tax exemption for consumers. The use of ethanol and biodiesel in power vehicles would stagnate over the next few years due to insufficient government incentives. Tax breaks would boost the growth of this sector.

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