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20 % Renewabl Energy by 2020
20 % Renewabl Energy by 2020
Global warming and energy dependence make it necessary for us to adapt our mode of
energy production and consumption without delay. Renewable energy sources, available
locally, can make a greater contribution, with little or no CO2 emissions. In 2005, these
energies made up 8.5% of the final energy consumption of the European Union. By 2020,
the objective is to reach a share of 20%.
The watermills and windmills of our grandparents produced mechanical energy from
renewable sources. Their modern versions produce electricity. Thus, windmills transform
wind into electricity. The European production of wind electricity, which has made great
progress, is now equivalent for example to the combined electricity needs of Denmark and
Hungary.
Hydraulic energy produces electricity. Small hydraulic plants or big dams...the production
process is the same: the energy potential of a head of water is converted into electric
energy.
Geothermal energy uses heat from the depths of the earth to produce heat or electricity.
At just a few meters below the surface already, heat pumps can extract heat from gardens
to heat houses. This is a relatively new, but promising application.
Solar energy can produce heat or electricity. Solar heat panels installed on a roof can
cover most of the hot water needs for sanitary purposes and can serve as a backup for
domestic heating. It is estimated that over 20 million m2 of solar heat panels were installed
throughout Europe in 2006 and not only in the southern countries, far from it! Solar energy
is also converted into electricity in solar mirror plants or directly, using panels of
photovoltaic cells grouped together in plants, or placed on facades of buildings or roofs, or
in isolated sites.
Biomass is produced from vegetable, animal or urban waste. It is called the "Sleeping
Giant" because it is probably the most important renewable energy of the future. It has
multiple applications: the most widespread is combustion of wood or wood pellets for
domestic heating.
In industry or in towns, the aim is to co-generate heat and electricity, which offers a much
better overall yield. Biogas is produced by fermentation of waste such as liquid manure
used in farming, or other organic waste. It produces heat and electricity. Purified, biogas
can be used as gaseous biofuel. Biomass also makes it possible to produce liquid biofuels,
biodiesel and bioethanol. The European Union has proposed that 10% of diesel and petrol
needs be covered by biofuels by 2020, with strict respect of the conditions for sustainable
development in this domain.
The European Union is the world leader in the development of renewable energy, with
over 350 000 jobs and an annual turnover of 30 billion euros. It intends to stay in the lead,
and is сommitted to reaching the objective of 20% of renewable energy by 2020.
Governments have a crucial role to play, through their good example and their support, but
each individual can also help to achieve this ambitious but necessary objective.
20% Відновлюваної енергії до 2020 року