A recurrent resource which is not diminished when used but which will be restored, such as wind energy. Renewable resources may be consumed without endangering future consumption as long as use does not outstrip production of new resources, as in fishing. In principle, wood is a renewable resource, but in the absence of well-planned management, short-term exploitation can induce environmental impacts or conversion to other uses yielding results better likened to mining than sustainable use (Berlik et al. (2002) J. Biogeog. 29). The EU proposes a mandatory target of 20% for renewable energy’s share of energy consumption by 2020 and a mandatory minimum target of 10% for biofuels. It also proposes creating a new legislative framework to enhance the promotion and use of renewable energy.

http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/energy/renewable_energy/l27065_en.htm The 2013 update of the Renewable Energy Roadmap.