Strategic issues
Greenhouse gases are involved in global warming of the planet. Renewable energies contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, the renewable energy market has seen substantial growth which is also supported by the anticipation of long-lasting tension regarding the price per barrel of oil.
Kyoto Protocol
Environmental protection and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions are subject to increasing political pressure. During the Rio de Janeiro summit in 1992, the international community pledged to take measures in favour of the environment. This movement continued with the ratification of the Kyoto protocol which covers climatic changes and greenhouse gas emissions. The countries signing the Kyoto protocol pledged to globally reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 5.2% and committed to a determined annual emission quota. Initially, it was agreed that the effort would occur over the 2008-2012 period specifically with an objective of 8% for the European Community and 6% for Canada and Japan.
Favourable economic climate for the development of renewable energies
EU Member States have set themselves a priority of promoting renewable energies, in order to respect the commitments of the Kyoto protocol relating to the reduction of greenhouse gases. European Directive No 2001/77/EC specifies in its foreword the necessity of giving priority to the promotion of renewable energy sources insofar as their use contributes to environmental protection and a speeding-up of the Kyoto protocol's objectives. For each Member State, it sets a goal to reach in respect of their share of electricity produced using renewable energy sources in their gross electricity consumption in 2010. France's objective is therefore to increase its share from 15% to 21% of electricity produced using renewable energy sources. With a view to promoting electricity produced using renewable sources, directive 2003/54/CE dated 26 june 2003* sets an electrical energy consumption rate of renewable origin for each of the Member States which is compatible with the overall European goal of 22%. The EU Member States implemented measures designed to reduce greenhouse gases, in particular by finding alternatives to fossil fuels when producing electricity, since these are responsible for more than 35% of greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, a quota exchange system will permit countries to buy or sell tonnes of CO2 emissions, according to their needs or policies, with the standing objective of reaching in fine the 5.2% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels.
Directive 2003/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2003 concerning common rules for the internal market in electricity and repealing Directive 96/92/EC
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Sustainable Development