Reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the EU by 80%: feasible targets, realistic milestones, open technology options

22Nov
2011
Dinner debate in Brussels

Speaker:  Jean-François Cirelli, President of Eurogas and Vice-Chairman and President of GDF SUEZ

How can the EU reduce carbon dioxide emissions whilst remaining competitive and continuing to secure energy supply? As if climate concerns were not enough, the EU is also facing a financial crisis. To tackle these two challenges successfully, legislators and industry should work together and pull in the same direction.

Whilst the European Parliament is currently debating the Roadmap for moving to a competitive low carbon economy by 2050, the European Commission is preparing an Energy Roadmap 2050. These two Communications frame future investment and the choices of Member States and the industry on the energy mix and the development of new technologies. 

EEF was pleased to invite Eurogas to present its vision of a scenario suitable to reduce greenhouse gas emissions dramatically and realistically by combining the reduction potential in the various energy-related sectors: power generation, the residential and services sector, industry, and transport.

Eurogas believes that an 80% reduction by 2050 compared with 1990 can be achieved through energy efficiency gains, substitution of higher carbon fuels with gas and renewables, technology development and behaviour change.

No particular option is locked in and flexibility is thus ensured.

 

“In the context of the economic crisis within the EU, gas can be considered a cost-effective solution to reach an 80% emission reductions target by 2050. The Eurogas Roadmap offers a pathway where all energy-related sectors contribute, thanks to the use of gas, along with energy efficiency, renewables, technology and behaviour change. From today to 2030, the high efficiency and low emissions of gas will make an immediate contribution. Moreover, the flexibility of gas combines perfectly with the development of renewables. The 2050 horizon requires taking into account great uncertainties, especially at the technological level. Investing now in natural gas opens up an option to go in whichever direction technology and economics may point around 2030. However, if the EU wants to remain attractive in the global gas market, it needs to be positive about the role that gas will play in its future energy mix.”

Beate Raabe, Secretary General, EUROGAS