Biofuel plans will be modified to avoid damaging impacts

The European Commission is to unveil proposals setting out how the EU will meet targets on energy and climate.

By 2020, EU leaders want to produce 20% of energy from renewable sources, increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20%.

Commissioners will announce the details in Brussels just after 1200 (1100 GMT).

Responding to draft versions, some industry bodies say the proposals will damage competitiveness, but green campaigners say they are too mild.

The EU has said it will bring emissions down by 30% rather than 20% (compared to 1990 levels) by 2020 if other developed nations pledge to follow suit.

Environmental groups believe the Commission should be planning for that higher target.

If the proposal is not properly drafted, it could have a very damaging impact on our industry Philippe Varin, Eurofer

"Scientists warn that a cut of at least 30% is required to prevent a climatic catastrophe," said Tony Juniper, director of Friends of the Earth UK.

"The solutions already exist. What we lack is political ambition and courage."

But some industry bodies have said plans to step up pressure on industry to reduce greenhouse gas emissions could force companies to move their manufacturing bases away from Europe, or face becoming uncompetitive.

"We have very strong concerns that if the proposal is not properly drafted, it could have a very damaging impact on our industry," warned Philippe Varin, president of the European Conferedation of Iron and Steel Industries (Eurofer).

Central powers

The Commission's proposals would see the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) extended to include more industrial sectors in the years between 2012 and 2020.

Companies' carbon allowances would be decided at European level, replacing the current system where nations submit bids to the Commission.

EU'S 20/20/20 VISION: KEY AIMS AND POTENTIAL CHALLENGES AIM: reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 AIM: reduction in energy imports, saving money and increasing energy security AIM: world leadership in renewable energy technology CHALLENGE: government and companies may try to weaken their emissions targets CHALLENGE: some countries likely to find renewables targets very ambitious CHALLENGE: wrangles likely over technicalities of ETS

The aim would be to reduce allowances so that by 2020, emissions from the sectors included would be about 21% below the level they were at when the ETS started in 2005.

For emissions not covered by the ETS, such as transport, buildings and agriculture, the EU would set national targets. Richer nations would receive tougher targets; the poorest would be allowed to increase emissions.

Each country would also receive a national target for renewable energy. The UK's is likely to be about 15%.

Countries already boasting a thriving renewables industry, such as Sweden, would receive tougher targets.

Countries would be allowed to trade investment in renewables facilities.

The target of powering 10% of Europe's road transport with biofuels is likely to be retained, with caveats introduced with the aims of ensuring the fuels used bring real carbon savings while avoiding adverse environmental and social impacts.

Commissioners will finalise the plan before the Commission's President, Jose Manual Barroso, presents it to the European Parliament at noon in Brussels. Some details are liable to change during the morning's talks.

The proposals would then have to be endorsed by MEPs and member governments. The final package might not come into force before the end of 2009.

Original Location: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7203514.stm