The European Commission’s long-term decarbonisation strategy, ‘A Clean Planet for All', presents a vision of a climate neutral society in 2050, and states that in order to achieve this target, renewables-based electrification must significantly increase, replacing fossil fuels in Europe’s energy mix and across all sectors of the economy.
In just a few years, solar has become the most affordable clean energy technology, and SolarPower Europe’s new report ‘Solar Electrification: solutions for a decarbonised energy system’ examines how to harness this power to accelerate the European Green Deal, ensuring a just transition for all citizens while increasing the competitiveness of key sectors of the economy, such as electric mobility and agriculture. Solar electricity can become the bedrock upon which the EU’s ambitious climate strategy can be accomplished – all while boosting regional economies and creating local and highly-skilled green jobs.
Carbon-neutral economy before 2050
Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe, said: “Fully decarbonised electrification is key to a cost-effective, long-term climate strategy. Indeed, solar power already offers the solutions needed to achieve climate neutrality. Solar is unique in the way that it empowers consumers, creates jobs as well as contributing to European industrial competitiveness both through direct electrification, or indirectly through the production of renewable hydrogen.”
Simone Antonelli, Head of Regulatory Affairs Central/Eastern Europe and North Africa at Enel Green Power said: “The European Union’s Clean Energy Package legislation is an essential step towards renewables-based electrification. Now it is key that this legislation is implemented and effectively enforced, with the inclusion of detailed plans for deep and wide solar electrification in member states’ National Energy and Climate Plans. This will ensure solar can fully lead the way to a carbon-neutral economy before 2050.” (mfo)
