A special report on the National Renewable Energy Action Plans outlining goals and measures to boost renewable energy use.

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• Introduction

• Ambition and action

  EREC secretary-general Christine Lins offers a forecast of renewable energy growth in Europe and argues for its benefits to member states

• Mechanics of balance

  Cooperation mechanisms and a stronger focus on heating and cooling are crucial for the plans, urges Eurelectric secretary-general Hans ten Berge

• How countries are planning to meet their targets

  Most member states expect to meet their renewable energy targets, but these vary in ambition and face technological and economic realities

• Enter the renewables revolution

  Scratching the surface of EU countries’ renewables goals reveals a tortoise and hare race to greening energy supplies

• The economics of renewables

  Countries’ ability to build capacity will determine whether they can meet their targets. Financing this growth will pose a major challenge

• Europe plans renewables future

  Member states’ National Renewable Energy Action Plans set out strategies for boosting green power supplies by 2020

• Will government policies rise to the renewables challenge?

  Feed-in tariffs and planning reforms are on the cards, but few governments are ready to spell out detailed policies

• What stands in the way of renewables development?

  Electricity grid access and public acceptance of infrastructure upgrades pose significant challenges for bringing more renewables on-line

• Conclusion

  Addressing grid, social and funding obstacles is the key to bolstering the renewables revolution swiftly taking hold in Europe

• Data tables