Niki Tzavela: "Renewable energy will move to the centre of the EU energy mix"

Europe's energy production will need to become almost carbon-free if the EU is to meet its goal of cutting emissions by more than 80% by 2050. The Energy Roadmap 2050, which the EP's energy committee will vote on 24 January, sets out how this can be achieved without disrupting energy supplies and competitiveness. We asked Niki Tzavela, a Greek member of the Europe of freedom and democracy group who is steering the proposal through Parliament, about the future of energy in the EU.

What do you think will be the EU energy mix in 2050? Which sources should play a bigger role?

In the long run, renewable energy will move to the centre of the energy mix in Europe, as they progress from technology development to mass production and deployment, from small-scale to larger-scale, and from subsidised to competitive.

Generous grants for renewables in EU countries led to high energy prices. Therefore some of them decided to cut subsidies, which subsequently scared off investors. What should support schemes be like to avoid these problems?

We need simplified administrative procedures and efficient support schemes which can be adapted over time. Retroactive changes have a detrimental effect on investor confidence.

The European Parliament encourages member states and their regions to improve cooperation in order to bring down the costs and to ensure that more investments within the EU are made where they will be most productive and efficient, taking into account member states' specific characteristics.

For example, in Greece there are plans under way for the project "Helios" - a plan to export renewable energy from the sunny Mediterranean to Central Europe using photovoltaic technology.

Energy consumption in Europe

EU energy mix in 1995 (%)		EU energy mix in 2010 (%)		EU energy mix in 2050 (according to Niki Tzavela)
Oil	39	Oil	35	Renewables
Coal	22	Gas	25	Gas
Gas	20	Coal	16	Nuclear
Nuclear	14	Nuclear	13	Oil
Renewables	5	Renewables	10	Coal

Source: European Commission