Publication

This paper provides an analysis of possible pathways to decarbonize Europe’s energy system, taking into account EU greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets for 2020 and 2050. It concludes that efficiency and renewables play a major role in any decarbonization scenario and that the power sector is key for the transition to a low-carbon economy in Europe, despite rising electricity demand. The authors emphasize that the extent of the decline in the share of fossil fuels will largely depend on the existence of carbon capture and storage, which remains a major source of uncertainty.