EU agrees renewable energy targets

In the week all the EU countries got together to agree on some solid targets for the reduction of carbon emissions. This has led to the decision to attempt to reduce carbon emissions by 20% by 2020.

So what will they be doing to achieve this? Well so far the only information I've really been able to find is from the BBC news web site. The following seem to be the major changes that will take place.

• 10% minimum for the usage of bio-fuels in transport
• Increase in the use of renewable energy sources I.E Solar, wind and hydro power.
• A possible ban on incandescent light bulbs by the end of the decade.

It all sounds pretty good really. It would be nice to see them issue more grants allowing people to more easily afford producing their own energy using things like solar or wind power.

Even though the light bulb ban seems very small I believe it would make an amazing impact on the amount of energy we use. The BBC website states

The bulbs last longer but more are more expensive to buy

But now Tesco are offering power saving light bulbs at half price on their direct web site and offering their value power saving light bulbs for 89 pence in store, the price difference is insignificant. You might think that the value bulbs aren't that great, however I can say the opposite as at least 3 of my light fittings currently have Tesco value power saving light bulbs in them and they are perfectly fine. With the prices coming down so much you could save even more money.

The EU leaders also put in an additional plan that would mean a 30% reduction in carbon emissions if they could also get the likes of America and China on board. China already has an active sustainable building plan as they are realising that they will not be able to expand as a country if they are tied down to having to buy fuels etc. However with America being reluctant to sign the Kyoto agreement, it might be a struggle to get them on board with any other plans.

All in all it's a move in the right direction, lets just hope that the pace quickens a little and changes start to be made.