MEP asks for targets to support North East renewable energy industry

11.35.40am GMT Fri 8th Dec 2006

Fiona Hall, MEP for the North East has called for stronger targets on renewable energy.

In a letter to the European Commission, Fiona, along with nine other MEPs from across Europe, including fellow Liberal Democrat Chris Davies, asked for a target of at least 20% of energy from renewables by 2020.

Ms Hall, who is the Lib Dem energy spokesperson in the European Parliament said:

"The North East is leading on renewable energy development and I want European targets to support that.

"Placing a target of at least 20% on all EU countries will motivate the UK Government to step up support for new renewable enterprises.

The Members of European Parliament also asked that the targets should be divided and introduced nationally in three sectors - electricity, heating and biofuels.

Arguing that this would benefit the North East in particular Fiona Hall said:

"Splitting the target into separate sectors will ensure that biofuels, in which the North East is a lead player, remain at the top of the agenda."