A new report details how Europe can convert to almost entirely renewable energy-supplied electricity by 2050 using smart grid management.
The new study produced by engineering consultancy Energynautics on behalf of Greenpeace shows how control technology and a network of efficient transmission lines would allow Europe to manage running on clean energy sources and reliably balance the variable supply of renewable energy to meet demand right across the continent, even when there is little wind and sun.
The new report, entitled ‘Battle of the Grids’ reveals how renewable energy sources like tidal and wind energy are set to increasingly clash with coal and nuclear power generators. Even in today’s energy market, at times of peak production, renewables delivering clean and virtually free energy are already being muscled off the grid to allow nuclear and coal plants to continue running. This is because wind and solar power is variable, while nuclear and coal plants are constant but inflexible.
Among other top line findings, the report demonstrates the need to phase out 90 per cent of today’s coal and nuclear power plants by 2030 in order to have a stable and efficient electricity supply with 68 per cent renewable sources by that date.
Greenpeace International energy campaigner Jan Vande Putte said: “Europe’s politicians should distance themselves from coal and nuclear, which are increasingly blocking progress towards a clean, modern and efficient energy system of the future. Thousands of wind turbines were shut off last year to allow coal and nuclear power to carry on a dirty and dangerous business as usual.”
Clean electricity production is an important part of helping to reduce carbon and other pollution emissions from the transport sector. As electric cars begin to become more commonplace, electricity from wind and solar sources will prove an important part of proving their ‘zero emission’ status.
Meanwhile another study from the Carbon Trust reveals that the UK is lagging behind over European countries such as Germany in the race to capitalise on green business opportunities such as renewable energy supplies. A Carbon Trust investigation reveals that three times as many top UK decision makers believe Germany is better prepared than Britain to take advantage of the £3.2 trillion global environmental market.
The Carbon Trust survey of decision makers in top UK businesses found that while 92% believe green growth represents an opportunity for their business, only a third are actually investing money in the research and development of green products and services.
