Rechercher

This study is assessing the European steel industry’s possible decarbonisation pathways in light of the European Commission’s “Fit for 55” package, by evaluating available technology options and the adequacy of available funding streams. The paper shows that options based solely on existing production processes have limited potential to achieve the required emission reductions. Full decarbonisation options will require the widespread availability of green electricity, hydrogen and/or CCS/CCUS infrastructure ...

This briefing provides an initial analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the Commission’s impact assessment (IA) accompanying the above-mentioned proposal, submitted on 14 July 2021 and referred to the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE). The proposal for a recast Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) is part of the Commission’s ‘Fit for 55’ package that aims to adapt EU law to the new EU objective of a minimum 55 % reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions ...

Decarbonisation of the internal gas market is necessary for attaining the EU's climate target of reducing greenhouse gas emission by 55 % by 2030 and reaching net zero emissions by 2050. The revision of the current Gas Regulation and Gas Directive, adopted in 2009 for the natural gas market, is underpinned by the strategies on energy system integration and on a hydrogen economy. Introduction of renewable and low-carbon gases to the energy system requires a profound transformation of the gas market ...

The last regular European Council meeting of 2021, on 16 December, will discuss a broad range of topics, notably the coronavirus pandemic, crisis management and resilience, energy prices, security and defence, migration, and external relations. In the context of the worsening epidemiological situation and the emergence of the Omicron variant, EU leaders will address progress in vaccination across the EU and the impact of new restrictions on the single market. They will also discuss international ...

This study provides an analysis of the gaps in EU policies aimed at increasing industrial energy efficiency, an assessment of the ability of the electricity grid to absorb large increases in renewables, and an evaluation of the energy efficiency potential of the Renovation Wave. Links to the proposed Fit for 55 package are also made for all three topics.

Given the vast potential for renewable electricity generation, the production of renewable hydrogen is a promising option for the hard-to-decarbonise energy-intensive industry sectors. A growing hydrogen sector will also result in job creation and economic growth while fostering innovation and reducing pollution. The European Commission published its Hydrogen Strategy in 2020 with the aim of boosting hydrogen use in the EU while promoting the uptake of renewable hydrogen production. Recent activities ...

The European Union has an ambitious climate strategy and is looking for ways to boost technologies that will make it possible. Could hydrogen and the deployment of related technology and infrastructure become a decisive factor in decarbonising specific industry sectors?

Achieving climate neutrality may depend on a few technologies: The International Energy Agency scenario for net zero by 2070 predicts that half of the emissions reductions depend on low-carbon hydrogen, carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), bioenergy, and electrification of end-use sectors such as heating and transport. Further investment in research and development (R&D) is essential for helping commercialise these technologies. Yet energy sector R&D spending is stymied by high capital ...

The first part of the STOA study 'A framework for technology foresight intelligence', this report includes a set of five horizon-scanning reports or 'radars', built with the resources of Futures Platform and covering several areas, including the world after Covid-19, disruptive futures, the Green Deal, food, and geoengineering. Horizon scanning is a discipline that could be harnessed to inform the future activities of the Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA) at both strategic and ...

In July 2021, the European Commission put forward the 'fit for 55' package of legislative proposals, aimed at ensuring the success of the European Green Deal. The FuelEU Maritime regulation is one of these proposals and, together with four other proposals, it seeks to steer the EU maritime sector towards decarbonisation. To support the uptake of sustainable maritime fuels, the Commission proposes to limit the carbon intensity of the energy used on board ships. Accordingly, the proposal sets up a ...