This report provides a blueprint showing how to apply existing technologies to halve global CO2 emissions by 2050, whilst allowing for an increase in energy consumption. The report is divided into 10 regional reports, with a global summary. It demonstrates how a 'business as usual' scenario is not an option if we are to attain a secure and stable energy supply.

INTRODUCTION
Energy supply has become a subject of major universal concern. High and volatile oil and gas prices, threats to a secure and stable supply and not least climate change have all pushed it high up the international agenda. In order to avoid dangerous climate change, global CO2 emissions must peak no later than 2015 and rapidly decrease after that. The technology to do this is available. The renewables industry is ready for take off and opinion polls show that the majority of people support this move.

There are no real technical obstacles in the way of an Energy [R]evolution, all that is missing is political support. But we have no time to waste. To achieve an emissions peak by 2015 and a net reduction afterwards, we need to start rebuilding the energy sector now.

An overwhelming consensus of scientific opinion now agrees that climate change is happening, is caused in large part by human activities (such as burning fossil fuels), and if left unchecked will have disastrous consequences.

Furthermore, there is solid scientific evidence that we should act now. This is reflected in the conclusions, published in 2007, of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a UN institution of more than 1,000 scientists providing advice to policy makers.

The effects of climate change have in fact already begun. In 2008, the melting of the Arctic ice sheet almost matched the record set on September 16, 2007. The fact that this has now happened two years in a row reinforces the strong decreasing trend in the amount of summertime ice observed over the past 30 years.

In response to this threat, the Kyoto Protocol has committed its signatories to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 5.2% from their 1990 levels by 2008-2012. The Kyoto signatories are currently negotiating the second phase of the agreement, covering the period from 2013-2017. Time is quickly running out. Signatory countries agreed a negotiating ‘mandate’, known as the Bali Action Plan, which they must complete with a final agreement on the second Kyoto commitment period by the end of 2009.

By choosing renewable energy and energy efficiency, developing countries can virtually stabilise their CO2 emissions, whilst at the same time increasing energy consumption through economic growth. OECD countries, on the other hand, will have to reduce their emissions by up to 80%. The Energy [R]evolution concept provides a practical blueprint on how to put this into practice.

Renewable energy, combined with the smart use of energy, can deliver at least half of the world’s energy needs by 2050. This report, ‘Energy [R]evolution: A Sustainable World Energy Outlook’, shows that it is economically beneficial to cut global CO2 emissions by over 50% within the next 42 years. It also concludes that a massive uptake of renewable energy sources is technically and economically possible. Wind power alone could produce about 40 times more power than it does today, and total global renewable energy generation could quadruple by then. ...

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You can download full publication in PDF format.

“will we look into the eyes of our children and confess that we had the opportunity, but lacked the courage? that we had the technology, but lacked the vision?”

CONTENTS
foreword 4
introduction 6
executive summary 9
climate protection 15
implementing the energy [r]evolution in developing countries 19
nuclear threats 23
the energy [r]evolution 28
scenarios for a future energy supply 37
key results of the global energy [r]evolution scenario 53
futu[r]e investment 100
energy resources & security of supply 109
energy technologies 132
energy efficiency – more with less 143
transport 160
cars of the future 174
policy recommendations 183
glossary & appendix 188

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About Greenpeace

Greenpeace is a global organisation that uses non-violent direct action to tackle the most crucial threats to our planet’s biodiversity and environment. Greenpeace is a non-profit organisation, present in 40 countries across Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific.

It speaks for 2.8 million supporters worldwide, and inspires many millions more to take action every day. To maintain its independence, Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments or corporations but relies on contributions from individual supporters and foundation grants.

Greenpeace has been campaigning against environmental degradation since 1971 when a small boat of volunteers and journalists sailed into Amchitka, an area west of Alaska, where the US Government was conducting underground nuclear tests. This tradition of ‘bearing witness’ in a non-violent manner continues today, and ships are an important part of all its campaign work.

Greenpeace International
Ottho Heldringstraat 5, 1066 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
t +31 20 718 2000 f +31 20 514 8151
www.greenpeace.org

About European Renewable Energy Council - [EREC]

Created on 13 April 2000, the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC) is the umbrella organisation of the European renewable energy industry, trade and research associations active in the sectors of bioenergy, geothermal, ocean, small hydropower, solar electricity, solar thermal and wind energy. EREC represents thus 40 billion € turnover and provides jobs to around 350,000 people!

EREC is composed of the following non-profit associations and federations: AEBIOM (European Biomass Association); eBIO (European Bioethanol Fuel Association); EGEC (European Geothermal Energy Council); EPIA (European Photovoltaic Industry Association); ESHA (European Small Hydropower Association); ESTIF (European Solar Thermal Industry Federation); EUBIA (European Biomass Industry Association); EWEA (European Wind Energy Association); EUREC Agency (European Association of Renewable Energy Research Centers); EREF (European Renewable Energies Federation); EU-OEA (European Ocean Energy Association); ESTELA (European Solar Thermal Electricity Association) and Associate Member: EBB (European Biodiesel Board)

EREC European Renewable Energy Council
Renewable Energy House, 63-67 rue d’Arlon,
B-1040 Brussels, Belgium
t +32 2 546 1933 f+32 2 546 1934
www.erec.org

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