Greenpeace welcomed crucial vote on renewable energy legislation at the European Parliament as an encouraging step in the right direction. Members of Parliament (MEPs) have demonstrated resolve in supporting the broad uptake of clean renewable energy sources, but are only slowly putting the brakes on the rush towards unsustainable biofuels, the organisation said.

The industry committee of the European Parliament overwhelmingly voted in favour of binding renewable targets for each EU Member State and concrete measures to secure their achievement.

Frauke Thies, Greenpeace EU renewable energy campaigner, said: "An overwhelming majority of MEPs have supported plans to make the EU's 20% renewables target a reality and boost the contribution of clean energy in the fight against climate change.

"We are moving closer to the energy revolution in the fight against climate change. It's now up to member states to seal the deal."

The committee took a critical stance on a sub-target to substantially increase the use of biofuels in road transport until 2020, calling for its profound review in 2014. The large-scale development of biofuels could cause serious negative impacts on the environment and people's livelihoods, while its benefits to the climate are marginal at best.