An overview of the different situations of renewable energy in the European Union

Renewable energy sources are indigenous, and can therefore contribute to reducing dependency on energy imports and increasing security of supply. Development of renewable energy sources can actively contribute to job creation, predominantly among the small and medium sized enterprises, which are so central to the Community economic fabric, and indeed themselves form the majority in the various renewable energy sectors. Deployment of renewables can be a key feature in regional development with the aim of achieving greater social and economic cohesion within the Community. This paper gives an overview of the different situations of renewable energy in the European Union.