Renewables minimize GHG emissions

By Barbara Vergetis Lundin

Greenhouse gas emissions increased in the European Union (EU) in 2010, driven by economic recovery and a colder winter. Continuing, strong growth of renewable energy sources is containing that growth.

"Emissions increased in 2010. This rebound effect was expected as most of Europe came out of recession," said European Environment Agency (EEA) Executive Director Jacqueline McGlade. "However, the increase could have been even higher without the fast expansion of renewable energy generation in the EU."

According EEA, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of the 27 Member States of the European Union (EU-27) increased by 2.4 percent between 2009 and 2010. However, the EU remains on track to meet its Kyoto target.

Increases in GHG emissions were contained by several factors. According to EEA, the use of renewable energy sources continued in 2010 with a 12.7 percent increase of total consumption of energy from renewable sources; gas prices fell markedly in 2010 and EU total consumption of gas used for energy purposes went up by 7.4 percent; and the higher share of gas led to an improved carbon intensity of fossil fuel consumption in many Member States.

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