This reduction in emissions could rise to 30% in the future if the other countries also make a commitment to reduce emissions. These objectives would be achievable in 2020.

The targets agreed by the heads of State and Government in the Union are set within other wider targets: The leading role taken for many years by Germany and Spain in the field of wind power has kindled interest among most of the European governments and by the Commission. The European Commission’s aim is that by 2020, 12% of the electricity produced within the Union should come from wind power.

The Climate Summit took place in Bali in mid-December. The delegates of 190 countries agreed on the so-called Road to Bali, a commitment by the participating countries to establish an agenda and timetable for seeking ways to reduce contamination. The proposed action includes help to the poorer countries to adapt to the reduction in emissions.

The signed document was endorsed by the USA, although its support has resulted in the definition of rather ambiguous objectives. The policy of the USA in this field has not changed since it decided not to sign the Kyoto agreement. However, it is a fact that the world’s leading power has shown greater interest in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It has also established active policies in this field, both through the Federal Government and in many of its States. What it does not accept, as a country already burdened by a large trade deficit, are specific objectives which could endanger its economy.

In early November, 15 countries met in Lisbon to relaunch the carbon market through the creation of the International Carbon Action Partnership. The creation of an international system to unify initiatives could give further impetus to the global emissions trading market.

The carbon market, CO₂ capture and the environment in general have been issues at almost the international forums held in 2007. However, the concern to reduce emissions of contaminating gases into the atmosphere (or to make them grow less than they might) is objectively positive, and, as Eurogas has recalled on several occasions, it reinforces the role of natural gas (and of LPG) as it is the least contaminating energy among the hydrocarbons.

With regard to carbon dioxide sequestration or capture, present technology makes it possible to store and transport CO₂ within a cost bracket of 40 to 70 dollars. This figure is still too high, but research is continuing and we are in the pilot scheme stage.

A separate chapter is needed for another top subject in 2007, the biofuels. In addition to high interest (sometimes of a speculative nature in the grain markets) in establishing production positions in this new market, a debate has developed between the supporters and critics of this source of energy. The latter group believe that more contaminating gas emissions are generated than the present alternative, taking the whole production chain into account. The proponents refer to the second generation of biofuels to ensure the sustainability of these products. What does appear certain is that governments must be selective when it comes to incentivising biofuels. In other words, they all make it possible to import less oil, but not all of them are good for producing fewer greenhouse gases.

The revitalisation of nuclear energy and the decided introduction of hydrogen are another two serious alternatives which have been put on the table in 2007. The consensus is not great, however, particularly in the first case. Alongside the policies of, for example, Russia (projects to build 26 nuclear reactors up to 2020), and the United Kingdom (support for the construction of new nuclear power stations), we have seen the signature of a manifesto in Vienna by eight European countries against nuclear energy (October 2007).