Plastic tax and development of renewable sources: who helps the environment the most? Günther Oettinger Commissioner for the budget of the European Commission and before that for energy, next Wednesday he will present the proposal for a tax on the use and consumption of plastic in the EU. Since 1 January, China has closed the recycling market and it is therefore necessary to reduce its consumption - by taxing it - at a Community level. In Italy the instrumental controversy about the plastic bags in the supermarket, that the first real European tax for everyone could then arrive from Brussels. Oettinger will propose it for budget needs, but who will listen to him in our election campaign?
The EU's environmental and energy problems are actually different. Pollution is a big issue, but 450 million consumers lack a policy and a common line that holds together the economy, the environment, health and development. The 2030 goal for complete decarbonisation and the transition to renewables is beginning to be viewed with suspicion. A path a little less certain than a few months ago. Either for the search for new political balances within decisive EU countries, or for the strong interests of the large energy companies. Italy on the edge of the legislature, has secured a good strategy and could give advice to partners in the perspective of the circular economy. But consulting the appropriate studies, the European landscape inspires fear.. The latest report from the Roland Berger Agency “Power to the People - The Future of Europe's" certifies that the objectives on renewable sources is decidedly at risk. That 27% of green energy to be introduced into the economic system is a goal towards which we are walking too slowly. Do we believe it? Then the objectives can be pursued with the development of a single and shared European energy regulation with impacts on the environment. Today, however, each Member State is responsible for its own energy policies - says Roland Berger - and the various strategies put in place effectively endanger the final climate goals to be achieved.
In an auspicious perspective for Europe, the researchers say that by 2025 the capacity of storage facilities capable of compensating for seasonal fluctuations related to wind and photovoltaic energy will go from 400 megawatts per hour used to 50 gigawatts. Companies with their burden of costs must hope for a single regulation. Because if they really want to start the green revolution, they have to push for the decentralization of energy systems. Such processes cannot be governed within national borders. We need a context that will allow "private individuals to play an active role in energy supplies thanks to the proliferation of domestic systems". Roland Berger, who has business in 34 countries, has also studied the new areas of opportunity for storing alternative energies and neutralizing the ever-possible system criticalities. Many start-ups have sprung up in Italy, but the opportunities for business-private customer agreements should not be underestimated. If the analysis of the report “Power to the People - The Future of Europe's" it will prove correct , there is no need to invent new environmental taxes.
