Parallel to the entry in force of the first Directives on electricity and gas, the Commission issued “White Paper on Renewable Sources of Energy” in 1997. With its objective to have a 12% share of electricity produced from renewable sources by 2010, promotion of renewables became an integral part of energy policy agendas. By definition renewable energy sources bring together all renewable non-fossil energy sources. These include wind, solar, geothermal, wave, tidal, hydropower, biomass, landfill gas, sewage treatment plant gas and biogases.
Today, in light of the Kyoto Protocol commitment, increased usage of electricity produced from renewable energy sources constitutes the best possible means to combat the climate change. Putting emphasis on renewable sources can also benefit rural development. It enables development of small local businesses and diversification of supply patterns at regional level.
Following the launch of the EU Climate Change package in 2008, the renewable energy issues have gained greater ground in the context of the Energy Community process. On 11 Dec 2008, the 5th Ministerial Council decided to follow the European Commission's proposal to launch an impact assessment study on the possible integration of the future EU directive on renewables into the Energy Community Treaty. It also agreed to set up a Renewable Energy Task Force in 2009.
