European Energy Transition

In many countries, solar energy is enjoying great success – photovoltaic modules are increasingly affordable and available to those interested in producing their own electricity. In the Czech Republic, however, those investing in and building solar power stations must constantly resist efforts by the government to destabilise the business environment, writes Martin Sedlák, Director of the Alliance for Energy Independence.

The French version of the study ‘Renewables: The Only Path to a Secure, Affordable and Climate-friendly Energy System by 2030’, published today by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union, demonstrates that a renewable strategy would prove to be much cheaper for the EU than a conventional strategy.

The problem in Poland is the coal-based structure of the energy sector. This results in the highest external costs for the production of energy in the EU, contributing to the loss of 1.2 million days’ pay annually as an effect of health problems.

Will the French government really take  a major energy, societal and economic change forward and seize the opportunities the Energy Transition offers? Or will it listen to vested interests in nuclear power and fossil fuels?

Energy policy has certainly become a popular sport in the UK these days. With the country preparing for a general election in a year’s time, the topic is now becoming a big political football.

The EU needs a common vision for its energy future. A shift towards renewable energy sources will increase security of supply and foster the competitiveness and sustainability of the economy.

On 23 October 2012, the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung launched the German version of its report “A European Union for Renewable Energy” in Berlin: Eine Europäische Union für Erneuerbare Energien – Politische Weichenstellungen für bessere Stromnetze und Fördersysteme.

On the 27th September 2012 the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union Office held a Panel Discussion and Report Launch for the new publication ‘A European Union for Renewable Energy’.The panel discussions were split into two topics on "Grids - How to improve European Grid Planning for 100% Renewables?" and "Remuneration and Support Systems - How to Pool the Renewable Energy Potential in Europe?"

To shift towards renewable energy sources we must show that the European electricity demand can be covered with renewables in a reliable and cost-effective way. The Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union initiated a series of expert meetings which ran until June 2012 to work on long-term approaches towards European governance structures for renewable energy in two key areas: grids and support schemes for renewables.

With its 2050 Roadmaps the European Union is setting out a plan to meet the long-term target of reducing emissions by 80 to 95% by 2050 and is exploring routes towards a decarbonised energy system. All the scenarios of the European Commission indicate a growing share of renewables. A strong growth of renewable energy is described as a 'no regrets' option. A main challenge today is to ensure that strong growth in renewable energy continues after 2020 when the current renewables framework with binding targets expires.