Renewables could reduce global GHG emissions by 1,000 MT a year
GENEVA, Switzerland, 2004-11-03
Refocus Weekly
Renewables could reduce global GHG emissions by 1,000 megatonne a year, according to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.
Annual emissions could be reduced by 1 gigatonne by replacing 700 GW of
capacity from conventional coal plants with green power facilities, it estimates
in ‘Facts & Trends to 2050: Energy & Climate Change.’ If wind were
the sole technology, 300,000 turbines of 5 MW capacity would be required and
would cover an area the size of Portugal, although much of the land would still
be usable.
Solar power is becoming “an important source of electricity for the more than
two billion people worldwide who have no access to the electrical power grid,”
while current geothermal capacity and potential growth prospects are similar to
wind and it has a very low land use footprint. Hydropower offers “a renewable
energy source on a realistic scale in many developing countries where its
potential is not fully utilized.”
The report estimates that global energy demand could triple by 2050 as the
economies of developing countries grow, making the world face up to “one of
the most complex environmental challenges of climate change.”
Speaking at the event, Anne Lauvergeon, Chairman of the Executive Board, AREVA,
and a co-chair of the WBCSD’s Energy and Climate program, explained that the
pace of change in the energy cycle is slow. “It is like a super-tanker,” she
said. “It takes time to change direction, so you must anticipate, otherwise
the consequences may spiral out of control.”
Facts and trends states that for the developing world to improve their living
standards, increased efficiency, diversity and technological development in our
energy systems will be the keys to achieving this without escalating emissions
unsustainably. And there are already signals of change, such as an increased use
of lower carbon fuels, the introduction of advanced forms of renewable energy
and high efficiency vehicles offered to the consumer.
Stigson concluded by saying that Facts and trends was meant to serve as a
platform to engage a broad set of stakeholders in a discussion around energy and
climate change dilemmas and options. “Our intent was to lay out the facts in
terms that everyone can relate to, and one of our key messages is that we have
the means to act, but we need to start today to make a difference in 2050.“
The World Business Council for Sustainable Development is a coalition of 175
international companies united by a shared commitment to sustainable
development. The council also benefits from a regional network of 50 business
councils and partner organizations, representing more than 1,000 business
leaders worldwide.
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