Reinfeldt expects historic climate agreement at EU summit
Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt anticipates this week's EU summit in Brussels to result in a historic compromise on climate policy.
As one of twelve countries in favour of setting a binding 20 percent target for renewable energy by 2020, Sweden is ready to lead the way on energy policy when the union's leaders meet on Thursday and Friday.
In an attempt to encourage all member states to commit to the goal, the twelve countries at the head of the pack have said they will undertake to go beyond the target as a means of lightening the load for the others.
"I don't know of any other occasion when so many significant countries have said they are ready to assume responsibility for measures that will lead to reduced greenhouse gas emissions," said Reinfeldt.
Renewable energy, primarily hydropower, currently constitutes around 30 percent of Sweden's total.
"If Sweden gets support for a 20 percent target, it will also mean committing to going even further, although in reality we have already surpassed that target," said Reinfeldt.
The Prime Minister also wants Sweden to push for a 30 percent reduction in carbon emissions. It is widely assumed however that the EU will stick to its previous commitment to a 20 percent reduction by 2020.
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As one of twelve countries in favour of setting a binding 20 percent target for renewable energy by 2020, Sweden is ready to lead the way on energy policy when the union's leaders meet on Thursday and Friday.
In an attempt to encourage all member states to commit to the goal, the twelve countries at the head of the pack have said they will undertake to go beyond the target as a means of lightening the load for the others.
"I don't know of any other occasion when so many significant countries have said they are ready to assume responsibility for measures that will lead to reduced greenhouse gas emissions," said Reinfeldt.
Renewable energy, primarily hydropower, currently constitutes around 30 percent of Sweden's total.
"If Sweden gets support for a 20 percent target, it will also mean committing to going even further, although in reality we have already surpassed that target," said Reinfeldt.
The Prime Minister also wants Sweden to push for a 30 percent reduction in carbon emissions. It is widely assumed however that the EU will stick to its previous commitment to a 20 percent reduction by 2020.
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