The UK today welcomed the European Commission's ambitious proposals for tackling climate change and delivering a low carbon economy in Europe.

The package contains proposals to implement the decisions agreed by EU Heads of State and Government at the 2007 Spring European Council, including a 20% reduction in EU greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, increasing to 30% when there is an international climate agreement; 20 per cent of total EU energy consumption to come from renewables by 2020; and measures to support the development of carbon capture and storage (CCS) including up to twelve CCS demonstration projects.

The proposals put the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) at the heart of EU climate policy, including establishing an EU-wide central cap on emissions covered by the EU ETS to 2020 and beyond, ensuring both scarcity and certainty, changed from the current system of Member States setting emissions caps for their own economies.

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For the UK, the Commission's proposals include a reduction of 16 per cent in UK greenhouse gas emissions from sectors not covered by the EU ETS by 2020 from 2005 levels, for 15 per cent of the energy consumed in the UK to come from renewable sources by 2020 and for 10 per cent of road transport fuels to come from renewable sources, subject to them being produced in a sustainable way.

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said that the proposals sent a clear signal to the world that Europe was taking decisive action to fight climate change: "This plan shows exactly what we are aiming for globally - a comprehensive and effective agreement to tackle climate change, with the carbon market at its heart. With a global deal, the EU will up its commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions to 30 per cent by 2020."

Business Secretary John Hutton outlined the UK's plans to review its strategy to meet the UK share of the EU renewables target: "The UK remains committed to meeting its share of the EU renewables target which will be decided in the negotiations ahead, and the Commission's proposals are a welcome starting point for that discussion.

"Whatever the final outcome, the UK is already scoping a vast expansion of wind energy offshore and tidal power on the Severn, and we are already thoroughly reviewing our strategy to drive progress further."

Secretary of State for Transport Ruth Kelly also welcomed the package he said it demonstrates a firm commitment that transport must play its full part in tackling climate change as well as supporting sustainable economic growth.

(GK/JM)