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Greenpeace/Beltra
Climate Impact Documentation Patagonia (Chile : 2004). Composite image of Upsala Glacier. Patagonia, Argentina.
Photos credits : Cover : Leaves in Automn Valbiom - Small hydro power (Austria) sterreichischer Verein fr Kleinkraftwerke - Hot Springs geothermal sources (Iceland) Oliver Joswig
Solar thermal on roof (Germany) Bundesverband Solarindustrie - Solar PV systems to supply water in indian remote villages shell solar - Offshore wind farm in Middelgrunden (Denmark) LM Glasfiber
2
Greenpeace/Shirley
Climate Change -
already happening
0.0
activities. It predicts that global average Climate is
temperatures are likely to rise between 1.4 to
an angry
-0.4 5.8 degrees Celsius over this century, depending
Data from thermometers on the amount of fossil fuels we burn and the beast and
-0.8
1860 1880 1900 1920 1940 1960 1980 2000 sensitivity of the climate system. we are
Source : IPCC
2. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has been
established by the WMO and the UNEP to assess scientific, technical poking at
and socio- economic information relevant for the understanding of
climate change, its potential impacts and options for adaptation and
mitigation. It is open to all Members of the UN and of the WMO. it with sticks
Australian Drought
Background
Documentation
Barren landscape
with thick fissures.
Shot taken after
a period of dryness
that has caused
extensive damage
to cattle and
prevented successful
vegetation growth.
Greenpeace/Swansborough 3
Greenpeace/Beltra
4
Polar Bear,
Chukchi Sea,
near Russia.
Renewable Energy
the Solution to Climate Change Harnessing Renewable Energy in
the Kyoto and UNFCCC Process
5
Renewable energy - Mainstream energy
It is the cost of setting up a policy structure that rewards the benefits of renewables: a level playing field. Though
there will be a higher cost in the first decade successfully promoting renewables over the period to 2030 will
prove less expensive than taking a business as usual approach.
Mark Moody-Stuart, Co-Chairman of the G8 Renewable
Energy Task Force, 2001 and former Chairman of Shell International
The natural flows of energy on planet earth provide a technology - are more than enough to provide for all
huge potential for harnessing carbon-neutral energy our needs. The sun powers planet earth and allows us
for society. Powered by the sun, the flows of wind to survive. With smart technology it can also provide
power, hydro power, biomass, wave, tidal and solar heat and electricity. It is also the driver for wind power.
heat and power - which can be captured by modern Wind in turn creates waves, a huge potential power
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Solar
Solar
Electricity
Thermal
PV
Power
Biomass Liquid Anaerobic
Generation On-shore Off-shore
heating Biofuels Digestion
CHP
6
source being tested worldwide in prototype water power for thousands of years, so far we It is the cost
schemes. The sun also powers the evapo- have managed to capture only a fraction of the
of setting
transpiration cycle, which allows water to technical and economic potential of renewables.
generate power in hydro schemes - currently The recent development of smarter and more up a policy
the biggest source of renewable electricity in efficient technology has been impressive. In the structure that
use today. Plants photosynthesise in sunlight past 20 years these technologies have improved
and create a wide range of so-called biomass and costs have fallen dramatically. For solar
rewards the
crops ranging from wood fuel to rapeseed, photovoltaic (PV) cells, stimulated initially by the benefits of
which can be used for heat, liquid fuels and space programme, unit costs have fallen by a
renewables:
electricity. Interactions with the moon produce factor of 10 in the past 15 years. Onshore wind
tidal flows which can be intercepted and produce power at good sites can compete with traditional a level play-
electricity. Though humans have been tapping fuels, and modern biomass heating is invariably ing field
into renewable energy such as wood, solar and cheaper than oil heating.
7
Renewable energy - Mainstream energy
Why renewable energy? support and synergistic forestry and industrial policies.
As well as saving significant CO2 emissions, equipment
With Political Commitment from all three countries is now exported worldwide.
Renewables Can Deliver
Renewable energy technologies are already available,
While renewable energy technologies are often on a but not used enough. If all countries would focus on
smaller scale than big fossil fuel and nuclear projects, renewables in the same way as the most successful
they can be brought on-line quickly and with lower countries in terms of RES technologies growth rates,
risks. The European Union has already set a target to the results would be impressive.
reach a 12% share of renewables in total energy con-
sumption by 2010. Renewables already have a significant Renewables provide greater
share in many countries. Germany, for example, has security of energy supply
doubled its renewable output in the past five years to
8% of total electricity, on the back of attractive feed-in The European Commissions Green Paper on the Security
tariffs for renewable electricity. of energy supply highlighted the importance of both
renewable energy and energy efficiency in reducing
Denmark now gets 18 % of its electricity from wind dependence on imported oil and gas from areas that are
power, and created an industry that has more jobs than mainly politically unstable. According to the Commissions
the electricity sector itself. Green Paper on Security of Energy Supply, in two decades
Europe will be importing 70% of its energy (up from 50%
Spain has leapt from virtually nothing to become the today) unless we change direction.
second biggest wind power country in Europe with
Renewable sources of energy have a considerable potential for increasing
over 6000 MW of capacity.
security of supply in Europe. Developing their use, however, will depend on
extremely substantial political and economic efforts. (...) In the medium term,
Countries such as Finland, Sweden renewables are the only source of energy in which the European Union has a
certain amount of room for manoeuvre aimed at increasing supply in the cur-
and Austria have supported the rent circumstances. We can not afford to neglect this form of energy.
development of very successful Source: Green paper on the security of energy supply, EC
heating industries through Effectively, the only way of influencing European energy
fiscal policies, sustained R&D supply is to make serious efforts with renewable sources.
and
ko
Fen
8
Renewables are Popular
Key Facts
The public continues to strongly support renew-
able energy, as proven by numerous opinion polls Renewable energy technologies
A survey by the European Commission across the utilise the natural flows in increasing-
EU 15 countries in early 2003 showed that: ly efficient and cost-effective ways.
Renewable energy technologies
69% of the European Union (EU) citizens sup- can offer power, heating, cooling and
port more renewable energy-related research transport fuels.
compared to 13% for gas, 10% for nuclear Renewable energy technologies
fission, 6% for oil and 5% for coal. are extremely varied, allowing coun-
88% of EU citizens stated that global warming tries to maximise the local benefits Effectively,
and climate change are serious issues which depending on whether wind, solar,
the only way
need immediate action. hydro or biomass energy is more
75% of EU citizens answered that the use of accessible. of influencing
fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas, etc.) contributes Renewable energy technologies European
significantly to global warming and climate can deliver significant quantities of
change. cost-effective energy and big carbon
energy
savings. With supportive policies, the supply is to
Renewables have the lowest role of renewables can grow very
make serious
environmental impact quickly as countries such as Germany,
of all energy sources Denmark, Spain and Austria have efforts with
already shown. renewable
Renewable energy technologies do have an impact
sources
on the environment, as do all energy technologies.
However, the relative impacts of renewables are
far less than those of fossil fuels and nuclear
power. A major EU study (Extern-E) concluded
that when climate change and the possible
impact of catastrophic accidents of nuclear
plants are taken account of, renewables have
a significantly lower environmental impact.
9
The Kyoto Protocol and renewable energy
Energy is at the very core of the development The three Kyoto mechanisms
agenda, but for development to be sustainable
that energy needs to be clean. Increasing the The Kyoto Protocol comprises three flexible
use of clean renewable energy will have multiple mechanisms that reduce GHG emissions:
benefits for rich and poor countries alike
Margot Wallstrm, Emissions Trading (ET)
Commissioner for the Environment
This mechanism allows Annex I countries (e.g. between
industrialised countries and countries that are under-
going the process of transition into a market economy)
to buy and sell emission credits for the purpose of
fulfilling their national emissions commitments. The
Under the Kyoto Protocol, legally binding greenhouse Emissions trading must be supplemental to domestic
gas targets as well as ranges of flexible mechanisms were actions and is based on governmental levels. This sys-
agreed. These so-called flexmex instruments - Joint tem will not start before 2008. However, independently
Implementation (JI), the Clean Development Mechanism from Kyoto, the European emissions trading system
(CDM) and Emissions Trading (ET) - allow countries and will start in 2005 and will already create mandatory
companies to buy and sell emissions with other countries emissions reduction across the European Union.
who may either need to buy or have excess emissions to However, the Emissions Trading scheme is a poten-
sell to others. A JI and CDM market has begun to develop, tially effective and powerful tool to meet targets for
with various projects utilising renewable energy. However reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases. But its
its potential as mechanism to promote renewables has limitations must be recognised. Emissions trading
barely begun and the benefits for renewables are not yet alone will not level the playing field between pollu-
to be seen.
10
Europes role EU strategy to implement the Kyoto Protocol
in the climate debate (e.g. proposal for an EU framework for emis-
sions trading). During its second phase (2002-
The European Commission has taken several 2003), several working groups investigated
climate-related initiatives since 1991, when the additional measures (e.g. to enhance Kyotos
first Community strategy to limit carbon dio- Flexible Mechanism).
xide was issued. The EU Council of Environment
Ministers acknowledged the importance of ta- The ECCP is preparing an emissions trading
king further steps at Community level by asking scheme that will start to operate in 2005 in the
the Commission to develop priority actions and European Union. In February 2003, the Euro-
policy measures. pean Commission adopted a new Communi-
cation for a monitoring mechanism of GHG
European Climate Change emissions, in order to comply with guidelines for
Programme the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol
agreed at the Conference of the Parties 7 mee-
The European Commission launched the Euro- ting in Marrakech in 2001. This Communication
pean Climate Change Programme (ECCP) in will help to achieve the target set on behalf of
June 2000 in order to identify elements for a the European Community.
ting and clean technologies and it cannot sub- Secretariat. The host country must deduct
stitute environmental CO2 taxes or policies to the ERUs from its own assigned amount of
promote renewables. Emissions trading is unlike- emissions. JI must be supplemental to
ly to benefit renewable energy sources in the domestic actions. A Joint Implementation
short term. Trading emissions will not secure fully project might involve the use of RES, fuel
internalisation of external costs or contribute switching for district heating, or reforesting
greatly to the polluter pays principle. land. JI projects are likely to take place in Annex
I Countries with economies in transition, with
Joint Implementation (JI) the aim to cut emissions at low costs. ERUs Energy is
The second flexible mechanism Joint Imple- may only be issued from 2008.
mentation is a project-based mechanism.
at the very
Industrialised countries and private companies Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) core of the
based in these countries can invest in emission- CDM projects are aimed to promote sustain-
development
saving projects in the territories of other Annex able development in developing countries,
I parties when this is a cheaper option. Through which are funded by industrialised countries agenda, but
such an investment in energy efficiency measures, (e.g. Member States of the European Union). for develop-
renewable energy installations, or other projects These investments will generate Certified
ment to be
that avoid or reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Emission Reductions (CERs). Small-scale
the investor acquires the right to the Emissions projects will have a prior status under CDM sustainable
Reductions Units (ERUs) achieved by the project - especially RES-projects below 15 MW. that energy
and can use those to meet its domestic emissions This mechanism has a project-based
regulations. ERUs are allocated by the UNFCCC approach too. CDM started in 2000.
needs to
be clean
11
The Kyoto Protocol and renewable energy
EU-15 2,1
Luxembourg -28,8
Germany -6,8
Sweden -5,5
France 0,4
Finland 4,7
Netherlands 7,4
Greece 9,8
Italy 10,7
Denmark 11,4
Austria 16,8
Portugal 21,6
Spain 23,8
Ireland 23,9
The EUs Emissions Trading Directive will come into force Final installation
of an offshore
in 2005. It will allow emissions trading across the EU, wind turbine
lar
So
ell
Sh
Vestas
Informal trading deals are already taking place, for example
the UK already has a formal emissions trading market.
While carbon prices in the past two years have generally
been below 10/ton of carbon, this is providing a useful
additional income to renewable and energy efficiency
projects - however these mechanisms will not be a leading
market driver for renewable technologies until prices
changes and market imperfections for renewable
technologies are addressed. Getting practical experience
in renewable energy projects, market stimulation and
development is important for their further development.
12
Renewable energy - The solution to climate change
Most of the key technologies are already
working well in at least some parts of the EU.
We need to stop calling this alternative
energy. it implies that its just an alternative. Wind, small-scale hydro and biomass
But in fact its an imperative. Its cleaner, heating are now widely accepted
its better, its smarter. as viable and cost-effective options
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton in a number of countries.
speaking at the Alternative Energy Solar heating and electricity, and some
in New York Expo 2004, types of biomass power are already
2nd February 2004 cost-effective in niche markets and
have good prospects of moving into
all sectors as costs fall.
Biofuels for transport will require
Renewable energy should no longer have the better recognition of their low-carbon
alternative tag - it is a mainstream set of energy benefits through taxation policy.
options able to provide cost-effective and reliable Tidal and wave power need further
low-carbon energy. After extensive R&D and research and development before
commercialisation over the past 20 years, wind they can be commercialised.
power, biomass heating and power, solar heating
and power and the other renewable energy options CO2 emissions savings
are important elements of the modern energy mix. through renewables
Renewable energy has some different charac- The benefits of renewable energy to greenhouse
teristics to fossil fuels and nuclear power. Some gas reduction are huge. The table shows that
of the technologies offer more intermittent the CO2 reduction due to the development of
power, and are less concentrated than oil or renewable energy sources during the period
uranium. Taken as a group however, and utilising 2001-2010 will be 320 million tons per year
modern energy grids and networks, renewables in 2010, provided that the share of renewable
can be integrated to provide predictable and energy sources in total consumption will have
We need to
reliable energy solutions. reached 12 % by that time. This amount rep- stop calling
this alterna-
CO2 emissions reductions (Million tonnes)
tive energy.
2010 2020
it implies
Wind 99 236
Photovoltaic 2.2 24 that its just
Biomass 176 326
Hydro 23 35
an alterna-
Geothermal 5.8 15 tive. But in
Solar Thermal 14 92
TOTAL RES 320 728 fact its an
% of total EU 15 GHG (Greenhouse Gases) emissions in 1990 7.6 % 17.3 % imperative
13
Policy recommendations
resents 95 % of the EU Kyoto commitment of reducing decrease of 17.3% of the total GHG emissions in the
green house gas emissions by 8% between 1990 and EU-15, provided that the share of renewables has
2010. By 2020 the CO2 reduction due to renewable reached 20% by that time, which is clearly feasible as
energy sources could be 728 Mt/year, representing a several studies show.
2001-2010 2001-2020
External Fuel External Fuel
Wind 9,4 - 24 12,9 40,2 - 102,8 63
PV 0,2 - 0,5 0,2 2,7 - 6,8 4,3
Biomass 16,7 - 42,7 62,6 - 160,1
Hydro 2,2 - 5,6 3,1 7,5 - 19,1 11,5
Geothermal 0,6 - 1,4 1,5 2,5 - 6,3 7,3
Solar Thermal 1,3 - 3,4 2,3 11,2 - 28,8 29,7
Total RES 30,4 - 77,6 20 126,7 - 323,9 115,8
Additional benefits, such as avoided fuel costs and cheapest options in tackling climate change if compared
avoided external costs of up to more than 400 billion to the investments needed.
alone in the EU make renewables also to one of the
Investments compared to avoided fuel costs and avoided external costs (in billion )
400
300
200
100
0
2001-2010 2001-2020
Calculating with high external cost assumptions and as high as all the investments to be done in renewable
average avoided fuel costs, the saved amount is nearly energy deployment.
14
Policy recommendations
15
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European Renewable
Energy Council - EREC