91tv

News
26 Feb 2021, 12:20
Julian Wettengel

European interconnection key for affordable CO2-free power supply by 2050 鈥� report

91tv

A largely CO2-free German and European power supply by 2050 with renewable energy as the mainstay is possible and affordable, and a well-connected power market is key, says , commissioned by the German Environment Agency (UBA). The consultancy assessed ten scenarios with ambitious CO2 targets and found that all possible paths are marked by great technological diversity, high flexibility and a comprehensive use of the advantages of a European internal electricity market. 鈥淭he great renewables potential across Europe can be used in combination with a comprehensive expansion of the power grid,鈥� the report says. The results underline the potential of the European grid as a cheap, effective and flexible option for the decarbonisation of the power supply, said the report. It states that renewables will cover almost all of power consumption by 2050. CO2-free synthetic gases are needed in all scenarios 鈥渁s one important puzzle piece鈥� to reach climate targets efficiently, but their total share in power supply remains low (0.8-3.5% of net power consumption), the report says.

The lion鈥檚 share of Europe鈥檚 energy system is still based on fossil fuels today. However, the European Commission this to radically change with the large-scale electrification of the energy system driven by the deployment of renewables, as the EU aims to become climate-neutral by 2050. Europe鈥檚 potential for renewable energy varies significantly depending on the geological and geographical conditions in individual regions. While each country has to expand its renewables capacity, cooperation and transport of energy from one part of the continent to another will be key in a future system based largely on renewables.

Graph shows European power system by 2050, different scenarios. Source: UBA / Connect Energy Economics.
Source: UBA / Connect Energy Economics.
All texts created by the 91tv are available under a . They can be copied, shared and made publicly accessible by users so long as they give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made.
« previous news next news »

Ask 91tv

Researching a story? Drop 91tv a line or give us a call for background material and contacts.

Get support

+49 30 62858 497

Journalism for the energy transition

Get our Newsletter
Join our Network
Find an interviewee