Greenpeace and Renewable Energy Industry Call for Energy Revolution

The report was released at a launch event for newsmakers in Ottawa, featuring: 

Greenpeace prepared the report based on modeling by the German Aerospace Agency. EREC is the world’s largest industry association for renewable energy.

Energy solutions

The Energy [R]evolution says implementing available green energy technology immediately can reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the Canadian energy sector 45 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020, and 82 per cent by 2050.

The report takes a comprehensive look at Canada-specific solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, economic growth for the new century would be maintained - without coal or nuclear power.

"Our Energy [R]evolution scenario is a win-win for the environment and the economy. It shows how to save money and maintain economic development without fueling catastrophic climate change. We have the technology and we have the blueprint – now Canada needs the political leadership,” said Teske.

“Canada has vast renewable energy potential that can replace dirty, dangerous and polluting fossil fuel and nuclear. Canada is not a green leader. The Energy [R]evolution shows how it can be,” said.

Must reduce emissions
 

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) says developed countries, including Canada, must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 25 to 40 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020 to avoid the worst impacts of global warming.

Recent research suggests even greater emission reductions will be necessary—reductions that could be achieved by implementing the Energy [R]evolution.

Green energy—the future

The Energy [R]evolution shows the viability of a green energy path. The report concludes that with technology now available:

1. Efficiency measures would save Canadians $5.9 billion on their electricity bills in 2020;
2. By 2020, about 25 per cent of Canada’s primary energy demand could be supplied by renewable energy, rising to about 58 per cent by 2050.  Today, about 75 per cent of Canada’s primary energy supply comes from fossil fuels, and only 15 per cent from renewables;
3. Increased use of combined heat and power (CHP) would dramatically improve the efficiency of natural gas in the transition to a sustainable energy system;
4. By 2020, over 80 per cent of electricity would be produced from renewable energy sources, and over 90 per cent by 2050;
5. Renewable energy would increase in final energy demand from 17 per cent in 2005 to 31 per cent in 2020 and to 71 per cent in 2050; and
6. There would be aggressive efficiency improvements in the transport sector, with electric vehicles playing an increasingly important role from 2020 onwards.

Implementing the scenario

The federal government needs to:

1. Adopt reduction targets for greenhouse gas emissions of at least 25 per cent from 1990 levels by 2020;
2. End all subsidies for fossil fuels and nuclear;
3. Bring in mandatory efficiency standards for vehicles, buildings and appliances; and
4. Implement binding targets with feed-in tariff programs for renewable energy.

“Canada needs to be part of the solution to global warming, not part of the problem,” said Martin at the launch. “Now is the time to move forward aggressively on a green energy future. It’s time for Canada to join the [R]evolution.”