EU reviewing emissions targets

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BRUSSELS, April 19 (UPI) -- Without a binding measure on enhancing energy efficiency in Europe, the bloc can only expect to reach half of its voluntary targets, a report said.

An analysis from the European Commission finds European member states could only enhance energy efficiency by 10 percent by 2020, half of its voluntary goal, unless binding measures are in place, the Platts news service reports, citing an internal European analysis.

"The council's version of the directive is thus estimated to reduce primary energy consumption by about 58.1 millions of (metric tons) of oil equivalent, while the commission's proposal would deliver a saving of 151.5 million mtoe, which is needed to close the gap ... to achieve the 20 percent target," Platts quotes the analysis as stating.

Any binding measure, if accepted, would go into force in 2013.

Vestas Wind Systems Chief Executive Officer Ditlev Engel told Bloomberg News that member states should impose a tax on carbon emissions in an effort to encourage more green growth and cut down on emissions.

"If there's something you want less of, tax it," he said. "It's a simple way to make things happen. If you put a tax on carbon, it will work."