The combination of oil rising prices, fuel shortages, growth of greenhouse gas emissions and global warming are forcing all developed countries to come to grips with their energy requirements and environmental future. These events also lead to the need for new policies on energy and the environment.
The reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and the development of renewable energy sources particularly energy from wind and sun as well as biomass- is a major aim of the European Commission’s energy policy. Increasing the share of renewable energy in the overall energy balance enhances sustainability and reduces the dependence of the various countries on oil imports.
