Energy efficiency and renewable energies: Renewable Energy playing a key role for achieving energy efficiency targets

Renewable energy sources and energy savings are the most straightforward means of both reducing emissions and improving security of energy supply. Energy related CO2 emissions have already been reduced by more than 20% against 1990 levels due to the deployment of renewable energy technologies. In addition, the renewable energy industry is one of the fastest growing sectors, providing jobs and bringing new technologies to the market, thereby helping to ensure that Europe maintains its technological leadership in global industrial innovation. However, the EU is increasingly being globally challenged by new market players. In order to keep its pole position, clear signals for investors are needed.
The decisions made today will determine the direction the energy sector will take in the long-term. It has to be made clear that high-carbon investments are expensive, and will remain so in the future. Only then will markets be capable of triggering the vital private investments (including capital intensive and long-term investments)which are needed for a transition to a resource-efficient.