The prominent conservation group Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) has said that 100% renewable energy by 2050 is a very realistic goal for the European Union, provided the region sets ambitious policy and energy goals to reach by 2030.
The current goals are set for 2020, aiming to cut carbon emission levels by 20% from 1990 levels, improve energy savings by 20%, and increase renewable energy by 20%.
WWF’s recommended goals for 2030 would include a minimum of 38% energy savings, 40% of fuel supply from clean sources, and a 50% cut on carbon emissions. This is all based on analysis by Ecofys, a Dutch consultancy group that found 100% renewables by 2050 would be realistic as long as significant developments are made in the coming decades to get more momentum going.
“Our report clearly shows that the EU has untapped potential for cutting energy use, taking full advantage of renewable sources that could deliver cheaper and more secure energy, and ensuring that a 100 percent renewable system by 2050 remains within reach,” said Jason Anderson, head of climate and energy at WWF.
Some have argued that these targets are not necessary because market forces will naturally shift and start to prefer wind and solar, but there’s no such thing as being too prepared, is there? Do you think it’s possible for Europe to meet 100% renewables by 2050, or is there still too much work to be done?
Image CC licensed by Andreas Klinke Johannsen: Windfarm outside Copenhagen, Denmark
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