Today the EP Committee on Industry, Research and Energy voted on the Renewable Energy Directive which puts in place measures to meet an overall EU binding target of  20% of energy from renewable sources by 2020 with  a specific binding national target for each Member State . Member States must also achieve a 10% share of renewable energy in the transport sector by 2020.

Member States are free to develop the renewable energy sector that corresponds best to their national situation and potential, across the three sectors of electricity, heating / cooling and transport. Member States must present renewable action plans (RAPs) outlining their strategies to the Commission.

The vote in Committee confirmed MEPs' support for strong sustainability, environmental and social criteria for biofuels, including the request for high GHG (Green House Gas) savings.

ALDE shadow rapporteur Fiona Hall (Liberal Democrat Party, UK) said:
"ALDE has played a decisive role today in ensuring that the text of the Renewable Energy Directive is both strong and flexible. For the transport sector, emphasis has been placed on advanced technology. Comprehensive sustainability criteria have been put in place for biofuels.

ALDE has played a decisive role today in ensuring that the text of the Renewable Energy Directive is both strong and flexible   

Fiona Hall MEP

"The Industry Committee vote approved the text of the Renewables Directive by a very strong majority (50:2). This should enable negotiations to go forward with the Council, with the aim of achieving a first reading agreement by Christmas."

On the 10 % target for the renewable energy in transport sector,  it was decided that Member States must achieve a 20% energy efficiency improvement in the transport sector, to reduce demand, and that a proportion of the target must be met from advanced technology -  from electricity or hydrogen from renewable sources, energy from waste, residues and biomass.

No later than 2014 a review on the renewable energy sources situation in transport will take place. The review will cover all fuels used in all forms of transport, greenhouse gas emissions, technological development, the consequences for food security, biodiversity and commercial availability of electricity or hydrogen from renewable sources. Responding to public concern about the potential conflict between food and fuel, MEPs voted for the review to look at the overall 10% target as well as at whether the percentage share of the target to be met from new technology should be changed.

A broad agreement was reached on a flexibility mechanism which will enable Member States to reach their renewable energy targets in the most cost effective way.  MS will be able to carry out statistical transfers between Member States or operate joint projects, and, if they so wish, allow companies to trade using transfer accounting certificates.