Outlook

The replacement of all polluting fuels with renewable and efficient energy should be the highest priority. A mix of different renewable sources is available and provides a solid basis for an affordable and clean energy supply in Europe and beyond. A carbon price, the broader applied the better, including all end use sectors would be instrumental for driving climate protection and innovative industry, environmental benefits and positive health impacts in a market-based manner. An energy market design driven by flexibility would enhance this impact, facilitating corporate power purchase agreements as well as energy communities and private and industrial self-generation and -consumption across Europe. Generally, the consent of citizens, local value creation and education will remain to be the key factors for a successful decarbonization of the energy system and the wider economy. Europe’s clear and unambiguous commitment to an ambitious pathway towards a full decarbonization of the energy sector – away from fossil fuels towards a fully renewables-based system – is a precondition for achieving the necessary transition across all end-use sectors.