New modelling shows that Europe could reach climate neutrality before 2050 through a 100% renewable energy scenario which would also see solar technology generate 60% of the European Union’s electricity by the middle of the century. The findings of the new modelling were revealed in a new report published by European solar energy trade body SolarPower Europe and Finland’s LUT University. The report is described as “the first of its kind to model a fully renewable pathway to achieving climate neutrality for the European energy system” and presents three separate transition pathways with varying levels of ambition.
According to the LUT 100% renewables scenario, solar energy takes the lion’s share of the heavy lifting, generating more than 60% of the European Union’s electricity by 2050. This would require at least 7.7TW of solar, while wind energy would provide around 33% of EU generation with 1.7TW. Importantly, however, solar’s dominant position only comes into effect after 2030, up to which point wind energy, with its high capacity factors, provides the highest shares of electricity generation.
The modelling also relies heavily upon renewable hydrogen as a way to contribute towards the full decarbonisation of the heat and transport sectors, while batteries will provide the bulk of electrical storage (98%), backing up as much as 24% of European electricity demand. Heat pumps will also be important, emerging as a core part of a 100% renewable energy system by providing over 60% of heat generation by 2050.
Source: Renew Economy
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