JRC Reference report on fossil fuel electricity generation in the EU
JRC report on fossil fuel electricity generation in the EU
The future portfolio of European power plants needs to be consistent with the EU energy and climate change goals set for 2020. For an optimal and yet feasible choice, the JRC's Institute for Energy (IE) has examined the technology and fuel options, together with the conditions that would lead to it. The report “Future fossil fuel electricity generation in Europe”, published today, assesses the role that fossil fuel technologies will play in the future EU power system. It assumes that due to the rising electricity demand in Europe fossil fuels are likely to remain the backbone until at least 2030 and foresees a need of up to 635 GW of new fossil fuel power plant capacity.
The JRC reference report emphasises that the share of non-fossil fuel power generation needs to be increased and that the share of fossil fuel power generation will only be compatible with the EU policy goals if three factors converge: the commercialisation of carbon capture technology is enabled, CO2 prices are more attractive, and coal and gas prices are higher than today.
01/07/09