Renewables study: "Euratom for renewables" could help meet all electricity needs sustainably
A new Heinrich Böll Foundation study, presented at the European parliament in Brussels today, reveals the huge potential for renewable energy in Europe and calls for the creation of a European renewables community (ERENE).
Michaele Schreyer, former European Commissioner and co-author of the study, said:
"Europe has barely begun to tap into its huge renewable energy potential. Our study looks beyond the timeframe of this year's Commission climate and energy package proposals and shows that it is feasible to meet all of Europe's electricity needs from renewable energy in the long-term - if the right strategies and measures are put in place.
Creating a European renewables community in the mould of Euratom would provide vital support to research, pilot projects and the grid."
Lutz Mez, co-author and Head of the Environmental Policy Research Centre at the Free University of Berlin, said:
"Europe had a coal and steel community for 50 years and its nuclear agency Euratom has existed for over half a century. It is high time for renewables to be given the same status, with a treaty or system of enhanced cooperation between member states.
Our study shows that the theoretical, technical and economic potential is there to meet all electricity needs from renewable sources. A European community on renewables could be in place by the first half of 2010 and funded from the sale of emissions permits."
Rebecca Harms Vice President of the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament, added:
"We cannot continue with the current "business as usual" approach to energy. The EU's 20% target for renewables is a good start, but this study shows the potential is far greater. The Irish vote has shown what happens if the EU communicates poorly or fails to listen to the voices of its own citizens. Most Europeans want to see renewables at the heart of future energy policy, despite the best efforts of the Commission and some national governments to push the nuclear argument. The renewables option is therefore not only the most environmentally-sound, but also the most democratic."
ERENE - Executive summary (in English)
ERENE - Study (currently available in German only)
