French energy company Engie estimates a six-fold increase in wind and solar power production will be needed to meet massive needs for decarbonised electricity by 2050, while arguing for the “key role” of gas, according to a scenario outlining decarbonisation trajectories for Europe. This is the first time that the energy company has made public its vision of the energy future of Europe -15 countries in total including France- to achieve the objectives set for carbon neutrality in 2050, with a stage in 2030 to reduce at least 55% EU emissions compared to 1990.
The annual rate of decline in GHG emissions quadrupled
The first lesson learned by Engie engineers, Europe will have to multiply by 4 the annual rate of reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, going from 1% in the period 1990-2020 to 4% “to reach net zero emissions in less of 30 years”. This will translate into a massive recourse to electrification in transport, industry, and housing: “the demand for electricity will increase by 80% in 2050 (…) and to satisfy it we will have to multiply by 6 our wind production and solar origin ”, stressed Catherine MacGregor, general manager of Engie, during a presentation.
Solar and wind energy will reach 78% of European electricity production in 2035 (3,772 TWh) and 90% in 2050 (4,772 TWh) compared to the current 39%, according to Engie models. Because these energies are “intermittent by nature”, “flex capacities” will also need to be quadrupled to 820 GW by 2050 using battery storage, pumped storage in hydroelectric structures and carbon-free gas-fired plants, according to Engie. The group believes in a “pragmatic” approach: “we will have to activate absolutely all possible levers to ensure this decarbonization”, estimated Catherine MacGregor.
Defense of the advantages of biomethane and hybrid boilers
Along with the sobriety and energy efficiency actions, the group boasts of the “key role” in the gas transition, which will be “completely carbon-free by 2050” (245 TWh), even if demand is cut in half. On the contrary, the demand for hydrogen will multiply by 8 in 2050.
After the gestionnaire du réseau de haute tension RTE qui vient de présenter ses projections de la consommation électrique en France à l’horizon 2035, Engie entend à son tour contributer sa vision dans le débat sur la programming énergétique du pays que doit présenter le gouvernement à fall. Engie, a group historically focused on gas, opposes a possible ban on the installation of gas boilers, in favor of electric heat pumps (PAC), and defends the advantages of biomethane and hybrid (gas and electric) boilers ).
Source: BFM TV
