The European Commission's 2050 Energy Roadmap, due to be published today, shows that renewables are a vital part of a successful and affordable decarbonisation process. But it sends out a weak message on energy efficiency according to the Liberal and Democrat group (ALDE) in the European Parliament.

ALDE MEP Fiona Hall (Liberal Democrat, UK), energy spokesperson on the Industry, Research and Energy Committee (ITRE), said:

"In all five scenarios considered by the Commission to achieve the EU's ambitious aim of an 80-95% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, renewables will account for more than half of all energy used, whatever the technology mix. The scenarios also clearly show that this can be achieved at less cost than "business as usual".

"It is encouraging to see that the Commission has recognised the importance of the 20% renewable energy goal by 2020 in driving forward innovations and developments and announces that “timely consideration” should be given to milestones for 2030.

"However, it is disappointing that the Commission failed to fully appreciate the importance of significant primary energy savings and the need to push energy efficiency up on the EU's energy policy agenda. A huge flaw in the Roadmap is the absence of any scenario based on synergies between renewables and energy efficiency. This could offer the most economically viable and sustainable path towards decarbonisation and energy security in Europe."

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