Energy ministers from EU Member States generally supported, on Monday 4 March in Brussels, the EU's long-term climate strategy presented by the Commission at the end of November, which aims to achieve a zero level of net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 (see EUROPE 12148, 12201). However, many called for flexibility to achieve the objectives and advocated sometimes taking different measures to achieve them.
The Commission's Communication sets out eight modelled scenarios that can guide action in all sectors of the economy.
100% renewable. Luxembourg considered that "6 out of the 8 scenarios" of the Commission should be dropped. The last two scenarios lack transparency because they rely on nuclear power. The Luxembourg Minister considered that the Commission should provide for a 100% renewable energy scenario, a request also made by Austria (this country is aiming for 100% in 2030!), Spain, Ireland and Lithuania.
Austria also insisted on energy storage capacity (it will have to be increased by a factor of 10 by 2050, according to the Commission) and on hydrogen (steel production using hydrogen) and natural gas mixed with 'green' gas.
Fair distribution of effort. The Polish minister said he was in favour of a "gradual reduction of current energies and an increase in new energies". This country insisted on the need for a "fair transition that take into account the specificities of the Member States". However, what the Commission is proposing "does not go in this direction", said the Polish minister, who called for a "fair distribution" of efforts. "We must not forget Silesia, a mining region in Poland."
The strategy for carbon neutrality "is a huge challenge", acknowledged Italy, which stressed the dynamics to be provided to industry and a "more democratic" energy system (self-production, citizen participation in renewable energies). Italy also mentioned improved use of batteries, hydrogen, or the conversion of gas into electricity. "The costs of this transition must be calculated," concluded the Italian minister.
"By combining efforts, the objective of carbon neutrality by 2050 is achievable," said France, which has a "clear preference" for the Commission's scenario of a 92-94% reduction in emissions, combined with a strengthening of natural carbon sinks. The first lever is that of energy efficiency, according to France, which also mentioned the reduction or elimination of fossil fuels such as coal and the eventual replacement of natural gas by carbon-free gas. France referred to the massive deployment of renewable energies and "credible mixes". "The path to neutrality is not unique," the French delegation argued. The transition must not harm European companies, France concluded, citing the need for accompanying measures.
Belgium noted that "energy transformation is linked to behavioural changes". Progress must be balanced and gradual, without compromising security of supply.
"There are diverging views and there is a need for frank discussion on energy policy in Europe," summarised the German minister. Germany has "decided to phase out coal by 2038". It has defended the continuation of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU-ETS).
The German minister stressed climate incentives, technologies and fuel cells. "A 100% reduction by 2050 is a good thing, but it must be done at affordable costs. Frequently, it is the last ten percent that are the most expensive," Germany concluded.
Denmark wanted the EU to set itself an "ambitious zero emission target by 2050 at the latest" as early as 2019.
Spain cited a national target for renewable energy penetration in energy production of 74% in 2030 and an electrification target of 27%. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)