MEP welcomes EU energy action plan

9.49.00pm GMT Thu 24th Jan 2008

'UK investment in renewable energy and research must increase'

Today European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso has announced plans to make Europe "the first economy for the low-carbon age", and local Lib Dem MEP Graham Watson welcomes this energy and climate change package,

"Climate change is a big problem facing all of us, and I welcome these radical proposals to cut carbon emissions. Ambitious targets have been set and this global problem requires comprehensive action at European level. Global Warming will cost the world up to £3.68 trillion if we do nothing."

He went on to explain,

"UK investment in renewable energy and research must increase, so that we can participate fully in the green energy revolution.

"The South West is well placed to generate wind and tidal power and we could, with the right investment, become a world leader in green technologies, promoting innovation and creating new jobs.

"We must all do what we can to save energy including simple things such as not having our TV's on 'stand-by' and improving the insulation of homes and businesses."

In March 2007 EU leaders agreed to cut CO2 emissions to at least 20% below 1990 levels, and to have renewable sources account for 20% of energy production by 2020. The European Commission proposals today outline how Member states can reach their targets.

Recent major investment in the renewable energy sector in some Europe countries means Germany now employs more than 250,000 in this energy sector, with 160,000 jobs created between 2004 and 2006 alone, Spain has 60,000 people employed directly and 100,000 indirectly as a result solely of wind power development.