By European Commission, 2011
The EU is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 80-95% below 1990 levels by 2050 in the context of necessary reductions by developed countries as a group. The Commission analysed the implications of this in its "Roadmap for moving to a competitive low-carbon economy in 2050". The "Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area" focussed on solutions for the transport sector and on creating a Single European Transport Area. In this Energy Roadmap 2050 the Commission explores the challenges posed by delivering the EU's decarbonisation objective while at the same time ensuring security of energy supply and competitiveness. It responds to a request from the European Council.
Uncertainty is a major barrier to investment. The analysis of the projections conducted by the Commission, Member States and stakeholders show a number of clear trends, challenges, opportunities and structural changes to design the policy measures needed to provide the appropriate framework for investors. Based on this analysis, this Energy Roadmap identifies key conclusions on "no regrets" options in the European energy system. This makes it also important to achieve a European approach, where all Member States share common understanding of the key features for a transition to a low-carbon energy system, and which provides the certainty and stability which are needed.
The Roadmap does not replace national, regional and local efforts to modernize energy supply, but seeks to develop a long-term European technology-neutral framework in which these policies will be more effective. It argues that a European approach to the energy challenge will increase security and solidarity and lower costs compared to parallel national schemes by providing a wider and flexible market for new products and services. For example, some stakeholders show potential cost savings of up to a quarter if there was a more European approach for efficient use of renewable energy.
 Energy Roadmap 2050 | [ ] |
