PROBABLE SUCCESS IN THE 20% OBJECTIVE OF THE EU WITH THE RENEWABLE ENERGIES

European Union (EU) proposed in 2008 for its members some energy targets to be carried out till 2020: 20% cut in energy-related greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990, 20% of primary energy savings, and 20% share of renewable energy in total consumption, heating and cooling included. But this year, an economic crisis of unprecedented scale started. Lower economic growth has effectively reduced the stringency of the 20% targets and the achievement of renewable energy targets and efficiency measures reduce emissions further. At the same time, renewable energies have created job opportunities but also energy security needs. This energy situation implies important changes, particularly in the energy system and the distribution of the different types of energy generation. At the end of the paper, some scenarios are analyzed to understand future ways for research and markets.