CEMBUREAU concerned about climate and energy targets

The European Council is due to decide this week on the 2030 climate and energy framework, including targets for GHG emissions reduction, renewables and energy efficiency.

CEMBUREAU has issued a statement, noting its concern for the cement industry with regards to targets that:

• Impose a 43% reduction for ETSii sectors, which therefore carry a disproportionate burden compared to the non-ETS sectors with a 30% target; the burden sharing between ETS and non-ETS needs to be put on the political agenda.
• Do not take into account the technological potential of process industries as laid out, for the cement industry, in the CEMBUREAU Roadmap. The cement industry sets forth a 32% reduction potential by 2050 that can be increased if breakthrough technologies can benefit from public funding to cover the significant financial and technical risks. If successful, such breakthrough can only be commercialised after 2030; the cement industry is keen to engage in a discussion on how the potential for reduction set out in its Roadmap relates to the EU's proposed 43% target.
• Are no longer made conditional upon the conclusion of an international agreement in which other jurisdictions engage in comparable reduction efforts.

CEMBUREAU points out that the cement and concrete sector adds €56 billion to the European economy, employs 545 000 people and strongly contributes to Europe's resource and energy efficiency agenda through the use of alternative fuels for 32% of the energy needs in its cement kilns and through its end-product, concrete, which builds public infrastructure and private housing that consume up to 75% less energy thanks to its thermal mass properties. The cement sector will be able to play its crucial role in the re-launch of Europe’s economy if its competitiveness is preserved through a regulatory framework that secures a global level playing field, prevents the risk of carbon and investment leakage and allows access to affordable energy.

Adapted from press release by Katherine Guenioui

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/20102014/cembureau-concerned-about-climate-and-energy-targets-698/