A decisive policy based on a realistic long-term view of the future. According to ECN, that is what is needed for a sustainable European energy system by 2050. And ECN has made a contribution to that with its Energy Vision presented on 13 September. “Global warming, dependence on import; the energy system is due for a major overhaul. With a considerable policy effort it will be possible to import significantly less oil and gas within 43 years, and to realise a 60% reduction in CO₂ emissions,” says ECN director Ton Hoff.

The Energy Vision 2050 by ECN and NRG paints a picture of a sustainable energy system in Europe. This picture should provide direction for energy research at ECN and can inspire government authorities and businesses. New technologies, energy sources and infrastructure will play an important role. These innovations require policy-based support. Remko Ybema, unit manager of ECN Policy Studies has this to say: “We need a decisive government policy, seeking collaboration between authorities, businesses and citizens. Raising awareness and the sense of urgency must be maintained because it takes many years for a new energy technology to mature and become competitive.”

Pulling out all the stops
All the available options need to be used in order to operate in a truly sustainable manner by 2050. Biomass, wind energy and solar power will play an important role in obtaining the anticipated 35% of the energy supply from renewable sources. Energy efficiency will also play a key role. The demand for energy in homes and buildings can be reduced sharply and met mainly by solar energy and electricity. For the transport sector attention is focused on biomass and hydrogen. Not all sources of energy used in 2050 will be completely sustainable. There must be additional requirements with regard to nuclear energy, CO₂ storage and biomass in order to apply these forms of energy safely in a sustainable energy system. Considering the major challenges that face us, none of the options can be excluded.

Information:
A sustainable energy system in 2050: promise or possibility?, A vision by ECN and NRG
by M.A. Uyterlinde, J.R. Ybema and R.W. van den Brink can be downloaded here.

Contact:
Martine Uyterlinde
ECN Policy Studies
Telephone: +31 (0)224 564369
E-mail: Uyterlinde@remove-this-part-ecn.nl