The UK's renewable resources, especially wind, are needed by the rest of Europe in the run up to 2050, according to a report published  by the European Climate Foundation (ECF).

The 'Roadmap 2050: a practical guide to a prosperous, low-carbon Europe' report, launched at a climate change conference in central London, looks at how Europe can make the successful transition to zero-carbon power and reap the economic benefits that go with it.

The report presents a range of options for decarbonising the electricity supply and takes 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% renewables scenarios with the remainder being made up by nuclear and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). It also examines the economic, infrastructure and energy security impacts and the technical feasibility of each scenario and is based on detailed modelling and conservative assumptions shared with industrial partners.

One of the key findings of the report is that the rest of Europe could benefit from the UK's renewables resources, in particular wind; while the UK can then, in turn, benefit from Southern European solar resources.

According to the report, the UK's expertise puts it in a strong position to benefit from the transition to a low carbon economy, however, it adds that to make this affordable, the UK must turn its attention to European grid infrastructure.

Commenting on the report, Jules Kortenhorst, chief executive of the ECF, said: "The UK has already shown significant leadership within the EU - especially driving for a European target of 30%. Now we need UK leadership on energy.

Some of ECF's other findings include:

  • The UK government should prioritise the creation of a super-grid in the North Sea to help bolster energy security;
  • In the period up to 2050 the cost of electricity will be no higher overall with low or zero carbon power supply compared to business as usual - even with high levels of renewables factored in;
  • Capital investment in low carbon infrastructure needs to double over the next 15 years but running costs will be lower than those associated with high carbon power.

Speaking at the 'Europe: looking ahead on Climate Change' event, where the report was launched, energy secretary Chris Huhne said: "The EU will be a major player in the creation of a global carbon market. And it could pioneer direct engagement with other countries on emissions trading and low-carbon technology standards. That is why the Roadmap 2050 is so useful. It makes a technical case for the transformation of Europe's economy on more sustainable terms.

"The Roadmap's principal economic finding is that the price we pay need not decide the path we choose. The higher initial investment needed to kick start a high-renewables energy system is offset by the higher operational and resource cost of fossil fuels. Put simply, spending a little more now saves a lot more later."

He added that the long-term benefits are clear and that the technology that made the first industrial revolution possible is "still with us today".

"As iron gave way to steel, and steam to oil, so our current energy system will yield to a third industrial revolution. A green revolution", said Mr Huhne.

For full article: New Energy Focus