EU finalises deal on 20 per cent renewables target

The EU has reached a deal on the renewable energy targets it will adopt under its climate change action plan, moving the long running – and at times fractious – negotiations a step closer to completion.

A spokeswoman for the European Parliament confirmed that a preliminary deal had been reached this morning between parliament and the European Council of member states, that would retain the proposed target of ensuring renewable energy makes up 20 per cent of the union's energy mix by 2020.

However, according to reports, the legislation will feature a new clause that will allow member states to review how the targets are shared out in 2014, although they will not be able to water down the overall 20 per cent goal.

The deal was finalised after Italy, which had argued for the review clause and complained that its own target was set too high, yesterday accepted a rewording of the proposed clause.

The agreement follows a similar compromise on new carbon emission standards for cars last week, and significantly increases the likelihood of the legislation being finalised before the end of the French EU presidency at the end of they year.

It will also provide a boost to the EU's climate change credentials as the UN negotiations in Poznan continue.

However, a number of contentious issues in the action plan are yet to be agreed, with a number of countries reportedly still opposed to plans that will significantly tighten the EU emissions trading scheme.

Brussels insiders claim the deal will have to be finalised ahead of a European Parliament vote on 17 December. They are fearful that if an agreement is not reached by then, the climate change package will slip down the list of the priorities under the forthcoming Czech presidency of the EU.

In related news, member states yesterday approved plans for the phasing out of all incandescent bulbs by 2012.

The Ecodesign Regulatory Committee endorsed the European Commission's proposals, which would begin to take effect from next year and are expected to save 15 million tonnes of CO2 and close to 40 terawatt hours a year – equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of Romania.

"This groundbreaking measure delivers a clear message about the EU's commitment to reach its energy efficiency and climate protection targets," said EU energy commissioner Andris Piebalgs. "By replacing last century lamps with more performant technologies, European homes will keep the same quality of lighting, while saving energy, CO2 and money."

The proposal, which is just one of a number of new energy efficiency standards being currently considered by the commission, will now go before the European Parliament and is expected to be formally adopted from March next year.