Future fuel

A new report shows that Europe's energy needs will continue to rely heavily on fossil fuels in the short to medium term despite government efforts to move towards renewables.

The European Commission Joint Research Centre’s Institute for Energy published the report, which explores a number of scenarios for the evolution of the European electricity system. These scenarios involve alternative views for the role of nuclear and renewable power generation, the development of fossil fuels, CO₂ prices and advances in technology.

The study found that, in a business-as-usual scenario, around 635GW of new fossil fuel power plant capacity would be needed in the European Union (EU) by 2030 to meet the increasing demand for electricity. This would require an investment of between €250bn to €600bn (£214bn to £514bn).

In the short term, the report forecasts that the increased use of natural gas would reduce CO₂ emissions and increase the competitiveness of European industry by maintaining low electricity prices.