EU renewable energy targets may boost land grabbing in developing countries

The EU’s renewable energy target of 20% of its energy supply from renewable energies by 2020 will cause widespread ‘land-grabbing’ in developing countries, according to a new Action Aid report. The EU adopted the target in the ‘Renewable Energy Roadmap’ in January 2007, and has come under increasing scrutiny from civil society. http://tinyurl.com/5ucwlbv

Filed under: Development, Development, energy, EU

German government backs new energy strategy

The German government now aims to implement the Energy Strategy it adopted in late 2010 more swiftly and more rigorously than originally intended. Only ten years from now the last nuclear power plants are to be closed down. Germany aims to enter the age of renewables as quickly as possible. Speaking in Berlin, Chancellor Angela Merkel and three of her ministers presented in detail the steps that will be involved. No provision has been made for a way back. The strategy will entail changes to power grid expansion plans and the subsidy system for renewable energy such as solar and wind. The government already dropped plans to add a further cut to incentives for photovoltaic energy. Both chambers of parliament have to agree a change of course on energy strategy by the parliamentary summer break in July.

http://www.bundesregierung.de/Webs/Breg/EN/Issues/Sustainability/sustainability.html

Filed under: Development, energy, germany