Implementing the EU Energy Roadmap 2050: at what cost and at what speed?, Brussel - Montesquieu Institute

Conference - EESC, Rue Belliard 99 - 1040 Brussels, Belgium

In line with its activities on the European Energy Community (EEC), the EESC continues its efforts to promote an increased Europeanisation of the energy policy. The massive decarbonisation which is required by 2050 (i.e. CO₂ emissions reductions of 80 to 95% by 2050 as agreed by the European Council in October 2009) prompted the European Commission to adopt an EU Energy Roadmap 2050 at the end of 2011. It is highly unlikely that EU Member States will agree on any of the seven scenarios proposed in the roadmap, given that the energy mix is a matter of national sovereignty.

However, three objectives will be fundamental drivers of the transition:

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  Enhanced energy efficiency (saving) and energy demand management
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  A much higher share of renewable energy in the EU's energy system
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  Better and smarter grids

These objectives are considered the most realistic across the different scenarios and the most likely to be widely accepted by the EU Member States. They form the so-called "No regrets" option. To achieve it, cost, funding and pricing will be essential. However, a successful transition will not only be a matter of financial means; time will also play a key role in this dynamic process, with 2050 appearing to be an optimistic date for completion.

At this conference the EESC intends to look at both the cost and the speed of implementation of the "no regrets" option. In doing so, it will bring together civil society organisations, national authorities, industry, EU institutions and other interested stakeholders to reflect upon the timely implementation and financing of the three fundamental measures contained in the no-regret option.

Registration request should be sent to the conference email address: transitioncost@eesc.europa.eu