About: decarbonisation

EU climate official: Innovation fund will help decarbonise metals production

The production of non-ferrous metals such as aluminium is very energy-intensive, but new technologies are being developed to decarbonise the process and the European Commission is ready to finance them, says Mauro Petriccione.

Aluminium sector illustrates close link between trade and climate policy

New production methods and uses are making aluminium a material of choice for European policymakers looking to decarbonise the economy. But a flood of cheap carbon-intensive aluminium from China could complicate these efforts.

What EU innovation policy can learn from professional cycling

Mission-oriented innovation is potentially significant in tackling big societal challenges such as climate change. When establishing those missions, the EU could take a few lessons from Britain’s most successful cycling team, writes Simon Skillings.

Greece vows €35 billion investment for energy transition

The Greek ministry of energy has finally submitted a new national energy and climate plan to the European Commission. It aims to reduce dependence on lignite power and increase the use of renewable energy. EURACTIV Greece reports.

Greece’s energy future on the line

Lignite has been the driving force of the Greek economy for the last six decades and the government intends to keep it that way, even though this most polluting of fuels is now becoming uncompetitive, writes Nikos Mantzaris.

Brussels remains guarded over ‘capacity mechanisms’ for power plants

The European Commission is trying to limit the development of so-called capacity mechanisms, which some member states have put in place as a way of ensuring electricity supply in situations of peak demand. EURACTIV France reports.

The EU needs to walk the talk on the Paris Climate Agreement

With its objective of reaching greenhouse gas (GHG) neutrality in the second half of this century, the Paris Agreement has been hailed as the most ambitious climate accord to date. But it is only as ambitious and effective as the policies that countries implement to achieve its objectives, writes Lola Vallejo.

Solar trade barriers: Who are they benefiting?

In December 2013, the European Union imposed trade defence measures on solar panels and cells from China, which are set to expire in September 2018.

Future of gas: Decarbonise or go bust

Widely accepted as a “transition fuel” until 2030 to help wean Europe from coal, gas is also positioning itself as a clean fuel in its own right beyond that date. But meeting the EU’s 2050 climate goals will require a deep transformation of the sector, amid growing competition from solar and wind power.

Two conflicts with the potential to increase European welfare

The answer to two major European conflicts, Brexit-induced financial problems and the refugee crisis, could be welfare-enhancing. Only after implementing solutions to those problems can Europe start to reform governance and boost innovation, writes Karl Aiginger.

Decarbonising Europe: Matching aspiration with action

With renewable electricity costs going through the floor, the EU should increase its 2030 targets and aim for close to zero carbon electricity by 2040. But while power decarbonisation is crucially important, it will not be sufficient to deliver a truly zero carbon economy, writes Adair Turner.

Without carbon tax, we are heading for climate doom

A high tax on carbon emissions is strictly necessary to halt climate change, according to Gaël Giraud, chief economist in the French development agency (AFD). EURACTIV’s partner Journal de l’Environnement reports.

Scrapping old cars and boilers: Hulot’s first measures for decarbonising France

The French minister for ecological transition and solidarity fleshes out four measures of his climate plan. EURACTIV’s partner Journal de l’Environnement reports.

The Presidency report: The Blue Horizon

“Following the light of the sun, we left the Old World,” said Christopher Columbus. With Malta at the helm, Europe’s trade winds have caught the sails of a new generation.

Vattenfall CEO: Decarbonising electricity can boost its use for transport, heating and cooling

Europe should accelerate the decarbonisation of electricity in order to encourage its use for transportation and other sectors. The end game is a fossil free system where we could use a lot more green electricity, Vattenfall CEO Magnus Hall told EURACTIV.com.

Power to the people: Electrification is a winning strategy for Europe

As Europe gets ready for the next stage in the battle against climate change, electricity holds a vast potential that still lies untapped today, writes Kristian Ruby.

Germans ready to ditch cars in favour of buses, trains and bikes

German motorists are ready, in theory at least, to abandon their cars in favour of buses, trains and bikes, according to a new study. EURACTIV’s partner Der Tagesspiegel reports.

Bioenergy policy being driven by ‘alternative facts’

Today is the International Day of Forests: 1.6 billion people rely on them for their livelihoods; they are home to more than 80% of the terrestrial life; and they’re a crucial bulwark against climate change, writes Linde Zuidema.

German solar power association: Europe far from being energy pioneer

Solar energy will be critical to German and European efforts to decarbonise their economies. EURACTIV Germany reports on what contribution local schemes can make to European energy policy.

Commission and member states clash over capacity mechanisms

The European Commission fears that capacity mechanisms would just translate into subsidies for coal power plants. Therefore, installations exceeding emission limits should not take part in support schemes, according to a proposal under the Energy Union's Winter Package. EURACTIV Czech Republic reports.

Who is trying to kill EU ambition on renewables and energy savings?

In one week the European Commission is expected to present its big energy package for 2030. It remains uncertain if the optimistic promises to put energy efficiency first and make the EU a global leader in renewable energy will be fulfilled, writes Roland Joebstl.

Germany’s ‘horror catalogue’ 2050 climate plan criticised from all sides

Environmental groups have criticised Germany's divisive 2050 climate protection plan for being too lax, whereas the country's ruling coalition think it is too stringent. EURACTIV's partner Der Tagesspiegel reports.