Life in the 21st century is completely dependent on energy. It weaves through our everyday modern life: we use our cars, work on our computers, prepare our food, or heat our homes. Energy is also a crucial ingredient in economic development. With the increase in agricultural and industrial activity, the demand for energy goes also up.
Since the industrial revolution, our energy needs have been mainly fulfilled from non-renewable resources (fossil fuels and coal). However, they contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases and ultimately to climate change. Still, environmental pollution, depletion of fossil fuels and climate change are not the only reasons why renewable energy resources are in the spotlight. Important energy issues of the recent years – volatility of oil prices, interruptions in energy supply, inefficient network connections, or difficulties with market access – pushed politicians and decision-makers in the European Union to take serious steps towards a cleaner economy.
In line with these efforts a major policy package (climate and energy package) was adopted in 2009, which sets the so-called ‘20-20-20 targets’ to be reached by 2020. They are the following: