EGEC policy paper on the European Commission’s Energy Roadmap 2050

The European Union (EU) is committed to decarbonising its economy while at the same time ensuring security of supply and preserving industrial competitiveness. This objective implies the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 80-95% in 2050 compared to 1990 levels. As regards to the energy sector, this means some 85% GHG emission reductions by mid-century.

In order to explore some decarbonisation pathways, in December 2011 the European Commission published its Energy Roadmap 2050 (hereinafter referred to as “the Roadmap”). This document will be followed by a further Communication on Renewable Energy Strategy. The European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC) promptly reacted to the publication of the Roadmap and welcomed the following main conclusions:

„h Decarbonisation is possible and can be less costly than current policies in the long run;
„h Renewables will be playing a central role in whatever decarbonisation pathways;
„h Energy savings throughout the system are crucial;
„h A transition from today’s system with high fuel and operational costs, to an energy system based on higher capital expenditure and lower fuel costs will inevitably take place;
„h Renewable heating and cooling is vital to decarbonisation.

Bearing in mind the mere illustrative nature of the scenario analysis undertaken by the Commission and the fact that the Roadmap is now the basis for a political discussion under the Danish EU presidency, this EGEC policy paper serves three main purposes: 1. To analyse in-depth not only the Communication, but also the Impact assessment of the Roadmap; 2. To illustrate its main implications for the geothermal sector and; 3. To put forward recommendations for EU and national policy-makers in order to further improve the Roadmap and to elaborate a successful post-2020 energy framework.

To read the full paper, click here.