The European Parliament
Brussel's EU Observer reports Europe's efforts to secure 12 percent of its energy from renewable sources by the end of this decade remain stuck at six percent, according to Energy Commissioner Loyola de Palacio.
Only six percent of the EU's current energy supply comes from renewable sources such as wind power and solar power, seven years after the goals were established.
Current use of renewable energy remains far short of a 12 percent target set for 2010, she said.
Speaking to industry representatives and the press in Brussels, Ms de Palacio described the EU's efforts as "stagnating" but said that the take up of biofuels should help achieve the goals.
"Bio-fuels should reach 5.75% of energy supply for transport by 2010", she told the audience.
However, the Commissioner, who leaves office next month, also noted that the EU's energy demands will grow by a fifth over the next 25 years, meaning a significant increase in use of renewables would be needed in real terms.
"In real terms their [renewables] production is rising, but against rising demand, their share of demand is more or less stagnant around 6%".
Ms Palacio is urging more be done to make renewable energy technologies competitive.
However according to the article companies such as Exxon continue to warn that renewable sources still do not look profitable - even with government subsidies.
That must be why those well known charities General Electric, BP and Royal Dutch Shell are investing in renewables.
EU Observer Article on Alternative Energy in European Union
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