The European Commission today set out a strategic vision for Europe to be carbon neutral by 2050 with renewables one of seven key areas to help meet the challenge.
The commission has not set specific targets but instead aims to “create a vision and sense of direction, plan for it, and inspire as well as enable stakeholders, researchers, entrepreneurs and citizens alike to develop new and innovative industries, businesses and associated jobs”.
It said the vision looks at the options available to member states, businesses and people and how these can contribute to the modernisation of the economy and improve the quality of life.
Joint action would be needed across seven strategic areas, the commission added. They are: energy efficiency; deployment of renewables; clean, safe and connected mobility; competitive industry and circular economy; infrastructure and interconnections; bio-economy and natural carbon sinks; carbon capture and storage to address remaining emissions.
“Pursuing all these strategic priorities would contribute to making our vision a reality,” it said.
The commission has invited the European Council, the European Parliament, the Committee of the Regions and the Economic and Social Committee to consider the vision ahead of a meeting of EU heads of state and government in May 2019.
Commission vice-president responsible for the energy union Maroa Sefcovic said: “We cannot safely live on a planet with the climate that is out of control. But that does not mean that to reduce emissions, we should sacrifice the livelihoods of Europeans.
“Over the last years, we have shown how to reduce emissions, while creating prosperity, high-quality local jobs, and improving people’s quality of life.
“Europe will inevitably continue to transform. Our strategy now shows that by 2050, it is realistic to make Europe both climate neutral and prosperous, while leaving no European and no region behind.”
Commissioner for climate action and energy Miguel Arias Canete said: “The EU has already started the modernisation and transformation towards a climate neutral economy. And today, we are stepping up our efforts as we propose a strategy for Europe to become the world’s first major economy to go climate neutral by 2050.
“Going climate neutral is necessary, possible and in Europe’s interest. It is necessary to meet the long-term temperature goals of the Paris Agreement.
“It is possible with current technologies and those close to deployment. And it is in Europe’s interest to stop spending on fossil fuel imports and invest in meaningful improvements to the daily lives of all Europeans.
“No European, no region should be left behind. The EU will support those more impacted by this transition so that everyone’s ready to adapt to the new requirements of a climate neutral economy.”
WindEurope chief executive Giles Dickson said the wind power industry is “more than ready” to step up to the Commission’s challenge.
“Onshore wind is already the cheapest form of new power generation in most of Europe. Offshore wind is not far behind.
“Countries should now include ambitions goals for renewables and electrification in their National Energy and Climate Plans for 2030. This will help put Europe on track to meet its contribution to the Paris goal of keeping global temperature rises to well below 2 degrees.
“Getting to climate neutrality by 2050 will be a challenge. But it’s one that’s realistic and affordable, especially if we consider that it will reduce climate mitigation costs.
“It’ll cost less than 3% of Europe’s GDP. But it’s not a cost, it’s also a real opportunity for Europe’s economy. It’ll give a major boost to jobs and growth.”