The import of the directive is the import. "Renewable Energy Directive" is the target legislative framework to be adopted by the European Union (EU) countries before elections of the European Parliament (EP) in June 2009. Its purpose is to produce the most ambitious legislation for renewable energy in the world. This is important stuff. There is even Greenpeace involved in the strategy here.

A draft version was proposed by the European Commission in January 2008. The impetus behind this draft directive was a goal of 20 % renewable energy attainment by the year 2020 as adopted by the 27 EU political leaders in March 2007. The EU also made a commitment to reduce their total energy consumption by 20 %  until 2020. Discussions have been held at the EP during 2008. Additionally, an EU energy policy forum will meet soon in Paris, France on 17 November 2008.

This forum is to bring together the key stakeholders from policy and industry to lay out a detailed plan for the 20 % renewable energy future. Conference organization follows three parallel renewable energy paths: Heating and Cooling, Electricity, and Biofuels for Transport. The current EU consumption is valuable to consider in summary as

Heating 48 %
Electricty 20 %
Transport 32 %

where major challenges reside to attain a future with 20 % renewable energy. Germany, Spain, and Denmark are seen ahead of the remaining 24 member states in their target goals.

Today the Renewable Energy Directive is only as complete as a strawman in the minds of many key people. Working papers definitely involve the latest mathematical models for energy and for economy. Also a new report as of yesterday: "Energy (R)evolution: A Sustainable World Energy Outlook" that was released on 27 October 2008 by the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC) and Greenpeace International.*

The publicity was stunning because their line was "New global energy strategy tackles climate change saving USD 18 trillion in fuel costs." Surprise! Surprise! The dots have been connected between the global energy and the global climate change in one report. This one -- Energy (R)evolution. It also aims at a sustainable world energy future via choice renewable energies: Solar Power, Biomass, Geothermal Energy, and Wind. Here is a list of eight action items out of this move:#

1. Phase out all subsidies for fossil fuels and nuclear energy.
2. Internalize the external (social and environmental) costs of energy production through "cap and trade" emissions trading.
3. Mandate strict efficiency standards for all energy consuming appliances.
4. Establish legally binding targets for renewable energy and combined heat and power generation.
5. Reform the electricity markets by guaranteeing priority access to the grid for renewable power generation.
6. Provide defined and stable returns for investors, for example by feed-in-tariff programs.
7. Implement better labelling and disclosure mechanisms to provide more environmental product information.
8. Increase research and development budgets for renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Obviously, Greenpeace is now integrated into the Renewable Energy Directive with a technical report as an input. This picture is of what is happening on energy in Europe and the globe. People are clearly communicating in their best manners. I can hardly wait for the rest of the story because I have a stake in it.

* http://www.science20.com/newswire/press_conference_and_energy_report_question_what_will_global_energy_supply_future_be_can_climate_still_be_protected_fac
# http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/10/greenpeace-calls-for-energy-revolution.php