The IEA presented a preview of the results from their forthcoming report Nordic Energy Technology Perspectives on November 20th in Oslo. The analysis focuses on how the region can become carbon neutral by 2050, and points to a number of critical challenges standing in the way. Chief among these are grid infrastructure, energy efficiency, CCS, biomass supply and regional cooperation.
Nordic Energy Technology Perspectives is the first ever regional edition of the IEA’s renowned global publication Energy Technology Perspectives. While based on the same global scenarios to limit average temperature increase to 2°C, the Nordic edition includes an even more ambitious scenario. This Carbon-Neutral Scenario assesses how the Nordic countries can achieve their national emission reduction targets for 2050 as a region.
The IEA sees the Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden as leaders in the global transition to a low-carbon energy system advocated by the Energy Technology Perspectives series. All five countries have announced ambitious emission reduction targets for 2050 and there are clear synergies in tackling this challenge as a region. Considering its rich renewable energy resources and strong policies already in place, the Nordic region could be the first in the world to achieve a carbon-neutral energy system – but it will not be easy.
The analysis highlights the need for infrastructure investment in order to facilitate a large expansion of renewable generation and greater electricity exchange with Continental Europe. In order to realise the scenario, energy demand must drop towards 2050, requiring a strengthening in energy efficiency policies for buildings, industry and transport. In addition to efficiency improvements, CCS must be employed in the industrial and power sector in order to reach the target.
Transportation will require greater emission reductions than any other sector. This highlights the need for technology development in electric and biofuel-based mobility, and the need to secure a sustainable supply of biomass. The report points to the benefits of greater regional cooperation in transforming the energy sector, and the strong influence of global developments on the Nordic energy system.
The project is a cooperation between the IEA, leading research institutes from all five Nordic countries, and Nordic Energy Research. Nordic Energy Research is an intergovernmental organisation under the Nordic Council of Ministers supporting and coordinating sustainable energy research in the Nordic region. The full report will be released in January 2013, with launch events scheduled for Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden.
Further information: www.iea.org/etp/nordic
Download: “Nordic Energy Technology Perspectives – At a glance”
Pre-order the report and stay up to date with launch events at www.nordicetp.org
Contact: Benjamin Smith, [email protected], +47 9040 6203