Image Sandia National Laboratory
A dramatic shift in the EU’s approach to energy consumption and generation has led to a more aggressive policy agreement in Europe. By 2020, the EU hopes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% while increasing the reliance on renewable energy sources by 20%. The policy also states that energy efficiency must be improved by 20%, also by 2020.
It will be a mammoth task to hit these targets as most EU countries are still largely dependent on imported fuels, and traditional energy technology and sources. The only conceivable way of achieving these goals is to invest considerable money and effort into existing renewable energy projects which are already proving to be sustainable. So far, several technologies in development are providing a glimmer of hope that might help the EU achieve its energy goals.