EU ‘Green Strategy’ Lifeline for Heavy Emissions Producers

Energy intensive industries, like Corus and Anglesey Aluminium,  have been given special consideration by the European Commission as it announced that special measures to safeguard them would be included in its so-called “green strategy”.
The Commission revealed proposals to fight global warming and reduce the EU’s dependence on imported energy.
The strategy includes caps on greenhouse gas emissions and renewable energy targets. The UK has been set a target of 15% of all domestic energy use to come from renewable sources by 2020. It must also cut greenhouse gas emissions by 16%.
The strategy also contains proposals to reinvigorate the European Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).
The plan was unveiled yesterday.  It follows an agreement by EU leaders last year to meet the so-called to cut overall greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20% compared with 1990 levels.  In addition, it will find at least 20% of all energy needs from renewable sources; and will increase energy efficiency by 20% – all by 2020.
Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said the proposals sent a clear signal to the world that Europe was taking decisive action to fight climate change.
Wales Euro-MP Eluned Morgan, Labour’s European spokesperson on industry and energy,, welcomed the proposals as, “solid evidence that the EU is ready to take a lead on tackling climate change”.
She also greeted with pleasure news that under the proposed reform of ETS, carbon permits would be issued free to energy-intensive industries like Corus and Anglesey Aluminium.
The Labour MEP has fought for reform of the ETS, and stated that it must include special measures for high energy-using companies competing with others outside the EU.

www.angleseyaluminium.co.uk