Mr. Miranda pointed out that today Europe’s electricity mix is over 45% CO2 –free (28% hydro; 14 % nuclear and 5% renewable). But in the carbon-constrained era that is now upon us, he said: “We can and must do more. With deployment of hydropower, smaller-scale renewables, nuclear energy, plus use of carbon capture and storage technology, we can move to very low-carbon content for each kilowatt-hour by mid-century.”

But to do so, Mr. Miranda explained, it is up to policy makers to ensure a framework which will stimulate investments in renewable power generation. They must set long-term targets –over three decades- “that correspond to the reality of industrial timelines, so that we can mobilise the required investment. Regulatory stability, not a policy blown here and there by short-term political winds, is absolutely crucial,” said the Eurelectric President.

In particular, Mr. Miranda asked for greater coherence between environmental and energy policies and much more market-orientation. “Any moves towards forging an EU energy policy must seek greater harmonisation in these areas that will back up efforts to create a single European market.”

More information:

Eurelectric website