Transforming the EU Power Sector

Transforming the EU Power Sector PDF Author: Mihai Tomescu
Publisher:
ISBN: 9789292138103
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 79

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Book Description
Europe and the global community are committed to a low-carbon future, a goal to be reached by mid-century. In 2009, the European Council set an objective to reduce EU-wide emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) to 80-95 % of the 1990 levels by 2050 (European Council, 2009). The electricity generating sector is at the heart of Europe's decarbonisation strategy and it is also the focus of this report. To date, power generation remains the largest GHG-emitting sector in Europe, being responsible for roughly one third of all energy-related GHG emissions and more than half of the verified emissions under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) (EEA, 2015a; IEA, 2015). According to the European Commission's Energy Roadmap 2050, by mid-century, the currently available climate mitigation options can deliver a cost-effective decarbonisation of the power sector of 90-98 % compared with 2005 (EC, 2011c). To reach this goal, however, a fundamental change in the composition of Europe's electricity sector will be needed. With fossil fuels still contributing to roughly half of the electricity generated in Europe, moving away from a carbon‐intensive power supply over the next few decades will require a commitment to increase investment in clean technology, restructure the fossil fuel energy infrastructure and ensure a secure and affordable power supply. In this context, this report fills an important information gap by looking at: • the theoretical evolution of fossil fuel capacity by 2030 in the absence of strong drivers to counter present trends; • how this hypothetical evolution would fit in with the need to create a qualitatively different EU power sector by 2030 and beyond, in line with EU climate goals. The concept of 'lock-in' has been extensively used to study the effects of path dependencies and reinforcing effects in the context of transition studies. With regard to the energy system, lock-ins are usually understood as mechanisms inhibiting the diffusion and adoption of carbon-saving technologies (Klitkou, 2015; Frantzeskaki and Loorbach, 2010; Unruh, 2000). Throughout this report, the term 'lock-in' is used to refer to situations where the amount of fossil fuel capacity could exceed the levels that correspond to the EU's long-term decarbonisation objectives according to selected Energy Roadmap 2050 scenarios.

Transforming the EU Power Sector

Transforming the EU Power Sector PDF Author: Mihai Tomescu
Publisher:
ISBN: 9789292138103
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 79

Get Book

Book Description
Europe and the global community are committed to a low-carbon future, a goal to be reached by mid-century. In 2009, the European Council set an objective to reduce EU-wide emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) to 80-95 % of the 1990 levels by 2050 (European Council, 2009). The electricity generating sector is at the heart of Europe's decarbonisation strategy and it is also the focus of this report. To date, power generation remains the largest GHG-emitting sector in Europe, being responsible for roughly one third of all energy-related GHG emissions and more than half of the verified emissions under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) (EEA, 2015a; IEA, 2015). According to the European Commission's Energy Roadmap 2050, by mid-century, the currently available climate mitigation options can deliver a cost-effective decarbonisation of the power sector of 90-98 % compared with 2005 (EC, 2011c). To reach this goal, however, a fundamental change in the composition of Europe's electricity sector will be needed. With fossil fuels still contributing to roughly half of the electricity generated in Europe, moving away from a carbon‐intensive power supply over the next few decades will require a commitment to increase investment in clean technology, restructure the fossil fuel energy infrastructure and ensure a secure and affordable power supply. In this context, this report fills an important information gap by looking at: • the theoretical evolution of fossil fuel capacity by 2030 in the absence of strong drivers to counter present trends; • how this hypothetical evolution would fit in with the need to create a qualitatively different EU power sector by 2030 and beyond, in line with EU climate goals. The concept of 'lock-in' has been extensively used to study the effects of path dependencies and reinforcing effects in the context of transition studies. With regard to the energy system, lock-ins are usually understood as mechanisms inhibiting the diffusion and adoption of carbon-saving technologies (Klitkou, 2015; Frantzeskaki and Loorbach, 2010; Unruh, 2000). Throughout this report, the term 'lock-in' is used to refer to situations where the amount of fossil fuel capacity could exceed the levels that correspond to the EU's long-term decarbonisation objectives according to selected Energy Roadmap 2050 scenarios.

Transforming the EU Power Sector

Transforming the EU Power Sector PDF Author: Mihai Tomescu
Publisher:
ISBN: 9789292138097
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 79

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Book Description
Europe and the global community are committed to a low-carbon future, a goal to be reached by mid-century. In 2009, the European Council set an objective to reduce EU-wide emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) to 80-95 % of the 1990 levels by 2050 (European Council, 2009). The electricity generating sector is at the heart of Europe's decarbonisation strategy and it is also the focus of this report. To date, power generation remains the largest GHG-emitting sector in Europe, being responsible for roughly one third of all energy-related GHG emissions and more than half of the verified emissions under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) (EEA, 2015a; IEA, 2015). According to the European Commission's Energy Roadmap 2050, by mid-century, the currently available climate mitigation options can deliver a cost-effective decarbonisation of the power sector of 90-98 % compared with 2005 (EC, 2011c). To reach this goal, however, a fundamental change in the composition of Europe's electricity sector will be needed. With fossil fuels still contributing to roughly half of the electricity generated in Europe, moving away from a carbon‐intensive power supply over the next few decades will require a commitment to increase investment in clean technology, restructure the fossil fuel energy infrastructure and ensure a secure and affordable power supply. In this context, this report fills an important information gap by looking at: • the theoretical evolution of fossil fuel capacity by 2030 in the absence of strong drivers to counter present trends; • how this hypothetical evolution would fit in with the need to create a qualitatively different EU power sector by 2030 and beyond, in line with EU climate goals. The concept of 'lock-in' has been extensively used to study the effects of path dependencies and reinforcing effects in the context of transition studies. With regard to the energy system, lock-ins are usually understood as mechanisms inhibiting the diffusion and adoption of carbon-saving technologies (Klitkou, 2015; Frantzeskaki and Loorbach, 2010; Unruh, 2000). Throughout this report, the term 'lock-in' is used to refer to situations where the amount of fossil fuel capacity could exceed the levels that correspond to the EU's long-term decarbonisation objectives according to selected Energy Roadmap 2050 scenarios.

The Geopolitics of the Global Energy Transition

The Geopolitics of the Global Energy Transition PDF Author: Manfred Hafner
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030390667
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 398

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Book Description
The world is currently undergoing an historic energy transition, driven by increasingly stringent decarbonisation policies and rapid advances in low-carbon technologies. The large-scale shift to low-carbon energy is disrupting the global energy system, impacting whole economies, and changing the political dynamics within and between countries. This open access book, written by leading energy scholars, examines the economic and geopolitical implications of the global energy transition, from both regional and thematic perspectives. The first part of the book addresses the geopolitical implications in the world’s main energy-producing and energy-consuming regions, while the second presents in-depth case studies on selected issues, ranging from the geopolitics of renewable energy, to the mineral foundations of the global energy transformation, to governance issues in connection with the changing global energy order. Given its scope, the book will appeal to researchers in energy, climate change and international relations, as well as to professionals working in the energy industry.

Energiewende "Made in Germany"

Energiewende Author: Christian von Hirschhausen
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319951262
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 387

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Book Description
This book provides an in-depth analysis of the energy transformation process ongoing in Germany, now commonly referred to as energiewende, in the European context, with a focus on the electricity sector. It presents an expert look at the origins of the German energiewende, its concrete implementation, its impacts within the European context as well as medium and long-term perspectives. The authors, internationally recognized energy, electricity, and climate economists at the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin) and Berlin University of Technology, conclude that the first years of the energiewende have successfully laid the foundation for a renewables-based electricity system in Germany, but that challenges remain in relation to decarbonizing the electricity system and phasing out nuclear energy. The authors also provide ground-breaking insights to inform energy policy in other countries and at the European level. In the outlook, the authors explore upcoming issues, such as coupling between the electricity and other sectors, and behavioral changes of industry and households. The book addresses readers in the energy industry, energy and climate policymakers, regulators, and others interested in the low carbon energy system transformation in Germany, Europe, and worldwide.

Europe's energy transformation in the austerity trap

Europe's energy transformation in the austerity trap PDF Author: Béla Galgóczi
Publisher: ETUI
ISBN: 287452364X
Category : Energy conservation
Languages : en
Pages : 174

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Book Description
Our planetary limits demand a radical transition from the energy-intensive economic model based on the extraction of finite resources, which has been dominant since the first industrial revolution, to a model that is both sustainable and equitable. Unfortunately however, energy transformation in Europe has, after a promising start, fallen hostage to austerity and to the main philosophy underpinning the crisis management policies in which overall competitiveness is reduced to the much narrower concept of cost-competitiveness. Regulatory uncertainty, design failures built into incentive systems, and unjust distribution of the costs, have also contributed to the reversal of progress in energy transformation currently observable across Europe. In this book three country case studies highlight the different facets of these conflicts, while additional light is thrown on the situation by an account of the lack of progress in achieving energy efficiency. By way of conclusion, a mapping of the main conflicts and obstacles to progress will be of help in formulating policy recommendations. Ambitious climate and energy policy targets should be regarded not as a burden on the economy but rather as investment targets able to pave the way to higher employment and sustainable growth. It is high time for this perception to be recognised and implemented in the context of Europe’s new Investment Plan, thereby enabling clean energy investment to come to form its central pillar. A shift in this direction will require an overhaul of the regulatory and incentive systems to ensure that the need for just burden-sharing is adequately taken into account.

Global Renewables Outlook: Energy Transformation 2050

Global Renewables Outlook: Energy Transformation 2050 PDF Author: International Renewable Energy Agency IRENA
Publisher: International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
ISBN: 9292602500
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 344

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Book Description
This outlook highlights climate-safe investment options until 2050, policies for transition and specific regional challenges. It also explores options to eventually cut emissions to zero.

EU Climate Policy Explained

EU Climate Policy Explained PDF Author: Jos Delbeke
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317338111
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 117

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Book Description
The EU has been the region of the world where the most climate policies have been implemented, and where practical policy experimentation in the field of the environment and climate change has been taking place at a rapid pace over the last twenty-five years. This has led to considerable success in reducing pollution, decoupling emissions from economic growth and fostering global technological leadership. The objective of the book is to explain the EU's climate policies in an accessible way, to demonstrate the step-by-step approach that has been used to develop these policies, and the ways in which they have been tested and further improved in the light of experience. The book shows that there is no single policy instrument that can bring down greenhouse gas emissions, but the challenge has been to put a jigsaw of policy instruments together that is coherent, delivers emissions reductions, and is cost-effective. The book differs from existing books by the fact it covers the EU's emissions trading system, the energy sector and other economic sectors, including their development in the context of international climate policy. Set against the backdrop of the 2015 UN Climate Change conference in Paris, this accessible book will be of great relevance to students, scholars and policy makers alike.

The Future European Energy System

The Future European Energy System PDF Author: Dominik Möst
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030609146
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 309

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Book Description
This open access book analyzes the transition toward a low-carbon energy system in Europe under the aspects of flexibility and technological progress. By covering the main energy sectors – including the industry, residential, tertiary and transport sector as well as the heating and electricity sector – the analysis assesses flexibility requirements in a cross-sectoral energy system with high shares of renewable energies. The contributing authors – all European energy experts – apply models and tools from various research fields, including techno-economic learning, fundamental energy system modeling, and environmental and social life cycle as well as health impact assessment, to develop an innovative and comprehensive energy models system (EMS). Moreover, the contributions examine renewable penetrations and their contributions to climate change mitigation, and the impacts of available technologies on the energy system. Given its scope, the book appeals to researchers studying energy systems and markets, professionals and policymakers of the energy industry and readers interested in the transformation to a low-carbon energy system in Europe.

Renewable Energy Prospects

Renewable Energy Prospects PDF Author: Dolf Gielen
Publisher:
ISBN: 9789295111189
Category : Energy development
Languages : en
Pages : 96

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Book Description
Indonesia is the largest country in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), accounting for around two fifths of the region's energy consumption. Energy demand across the country's more than 17,000 islands could increase by four fifths and electricity demand could triple between 2015 and 2030.While reliance on domestic coal and imported petroleum products has grown, Indonesia has started adding more renewables to its energy mix. The country has set out to achieve 23% renewable energy use by 2025, and 31% by 2050.REmap - the global roadmap from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) - addresses this challenge, presenting a range of technology and resource options, along with key insights on the opportunities and challenges ahead.As this REmap country report shows, Indonesia could feasibly exceed its current goals and deploy even more renewables. In fact, the country could reach its 2050 target two decades sooner - by 2030.

European Energy Policies in a Changing Environment

European Energy Policies in a Changing Environment PDF Author: Francis McGowan
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3642614922
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 190

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Book Description
Across the European Union, energy policy remains a highly controversial issue, despite the relative stability of energy markets and the lack of concern of energy availabilities and prices which marked previous debates on the issue. The debates on nuclear power in Germany, on the coal industry in the UK indicate the continuing resonance of energy policy as a source of dispute at the national level. Moreover, while the urgency which the 1970s energy crises brought to policy discussions may no longer exist, the emergence of new issues, such as the environment and economic liberalisation, have offered new challenges for energy policy. These issues also arise in a European setting. Early in 1995 the European Commission published a Green Paper on Energy Policy -indeed, as the manuscript was completed the Commission was finalising a White Paper -and the issue will be on the agenda of the 1996 Intergovernmental Conference. The outcome of these discussions is far from clear, but there is no doubt that, in one way or another the European Union will help to shape national energy policies for many years to come.