Page 10 - European Energy Innovation magazine - autumn 2022 edition

Autumn 2022 European Energy Innovation
10 COMMUNICATION

European countries can unlock

huge cost and emissions savings

by unleashing the potential of

renewable energy

By Jan Andersson (pictured), General Manager, Market Development, Wärtsilä Energy

s Europe scrambles
to replace Russian
hydrocarbons and shore up
Aits energy supply, there is
a once-in-a-generation opportunity
to lay the foundations for net zero,
whilst cutting energy bills and
increasing energy independence.

However, with energy prices
continuing to rise at an alarming
pace, baseload fossil fuel power
plants are being refired. In Germany,
mothballed coal plants are being
restarted, with coal trains now taking
priority over passenger transport as
the country struggles to deal with
the increased demand. In the UK,
ambitious plans to achieve a net
zero energy system by 2035 have
been partially stalled as bills rise
and the country transitions to a
new prime minister, with some
now calling for its 2050 net zero
target to be pushed back.

While European states across the
continent are looking at fossil fuels
as the solution to their current
energy security and price challenges,
the opportunity to harness the full
potential of renewable energy is being
missed. Scaling up renewables will
cut emissions, reduce energy bills,
and improve energy independence
across Europe.

A concerted political effort is now
required. To achieve its renewable
potential, Europe should accelerate

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