Global 2050 envisions EU on pace to 100% renewable energy


The EU could reduce its energy use by more than a third and generate almost half of the remainder from renewables by 2030 if the right policies are put in place, according to WWF European Policy Office.

The WWF's Global 2050 energy scenario shows that by 2030 the EU could use at least 38 percent less energy; generate more than 40 percent of its energy from renewable sources; and reduce its energy related greenhouse emissions by 50 percent compared to 1990 levels. 

As Europe's economies try to recover, WWF contends that renewable energy and energy savings are part of the solution. And nearly 80 percent of Europeans agree.

WWF research reveals that almost 8 out of 10 Europeans agree that fighting climate change can boost the economy and create jobs; 70 percent believe investment in renewable energy should be prioritized over the next 30 years, compared to alternative energy sources including shale gas, nuclear and carbon capture and storage plants.

"Improving on Europe's 2020 climate and energy targets by introducing an ambitious package of post-2020 measures…would not only help reduce the impact of climate change, including huge health and environmental costs, but it would also help to generate up to 5 million jobs, significantly boosting the economy," said Jason Anderson, head of climate & energy at the WWF European Policy Office. 

However, this will require ambitious and binding post-2020 targets for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and emissions reductions.

"We must now decide how our energy system will develop after 2020, so that current benefits are maximized, not squandered," Anderson said. "…the EU has untapped potential for cutting energy use, taking full advantage of renewable sources that could deliver cheaper and more secure energy, and ensuring that a 100 percent renewable European energy system by 2050 remains within reach."

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