The Energy [R]evolution presents European decision-makers with a cost-effective and sustainable pathway for our economy, while tackling the challenges of climate change and the security of energy supply.
A fully renewable and efficient energy system would allow Europe to develop a sound energy economy, create high quality jobs, boost technology development, secure global competitiveness and trigger industrial leadership.
At the same time, the drive towards renewables and the smart use of energy would deliver the necessary carbon dioxide emissions cuts of 95% by 2050 compared with 1990 levels, which Europe will have to realise in the fight against climate change.
But the Energy [R]evolution will not happen without much needed political leadership: The European Union and its Member States will have to set the framework for a sustainable energy pathway.
At present, a wide range of energy-market failures still discourage the shift towards a clean energy system. It is high time to remove these barriers to increase energy savings and facilitate the replacement of fossil fuels with clean and abundant renewable energy sources.
European decision-makers should demonstrate commitment to a clean energy future, create the regulatory conditions for an efficient and renewable energy system, and stimulate governments, businesses, industries and citizens to opt for renewable energy and its smart use.
Greenpeace proposes five steps that the European Union and its Member States should take to realise the Energy [R]evolution.
Demonstrate how the EU will play its role in slashing global emissions until 2050
EU leaders committed in 2005 to the objective of keeping global mean temperature increase below two-degrees Celsius (2° C) compared to pre-industrial levels. Above this level, damage to ecosystems and disruption of the climate system would increase dramatically. In October 2009 the EU leaders also committed to reduce emissions in the EU by 80-95% in 2050 compared to 1990.
The EU should develop a credible emissions reduction pathway to achieve a 95% cut within Europe, so as to make sure that the EU does its part to keep global warming below the 2°C threshold.
Move the energy system towards 100% renewable energy and high efficiency in all sectors
Europe’s energy system is outdated and substantial investments in power production capacity and infrastructure, as well as buildings and transportation, will have to take place within the next decade. These investment decisions will shape the structure of the energy system until 2050 and beyond.
A highly energy-efficient economy is a precondition for Europe’s competitiveness and well-being. To power our electricity, transportation and remaining heating requirements, renewable energy sources are the truly sustainable, cost-effective and available solution.
Too much energy is still wasted in inefficient vehicles and buildings. Investments in coal production and nuclear power hinder the transition towards a clean energy economy. They divert financial resources and create economic and technical lock-in effects in conflict with the uptake of renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Europe should therefore take a strategic approach and commit to a truly sustainable vision for a fully renewable and energy efficient electricity and heat production, as well as clean transportation until 2050.
Read more in Chapter 5 of the EU-27 energy [r]evolution report.
 |
|