2nd December 2008 – KONIN, WESTERN POLAND.
Greenpeace activists and volunteers block the main entrance to the Pątnów power coal fired power station near Konin, western Poland while a team of 4 activists climb their way, unseen, to the top of one of the plant's chimneys. Greenpeace is focussing attention on the power plant because of Poland's over reliance on coal, the major contributor to climate change. The UN Cop14 climate talks take place in the nearby city
of Poznan.
"Europe needs bolder policies for the support of renewable energy, energy efficiency and strict emissions reductions. As European leaders put the final touches to the climate package, the Energy [R]evolution is proof that the EU can and should do more to tackle climate change," said Frauke Thies, Greenpeace EU renewables policy campaigner.
As some EU countries threaten to seriously weaken the package, the 'Energy [R]evolution' blueprint shows how the EU can slash carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 30% by 2020 and by nearly 80% by 2050, while actively phasing out nuclear power and coal. The findings of the report carried out by the Institute of Technical Thermodynamics of the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) make a strong case for the determined implementation of the EU's 20% renewable energy target, for an efficient emissions trading system where polluters pay for their emissions and for binding energy efficiency commitments.
"Bold measures are imperative not only to avoid the catastrophic effects of climate change - they're also a unique chance to build a solid basis for Europe's shaky economy and reduce the burden on consumers," said Thies.
"The Energy [R]evolution blueprint shows that in the electricity sector alone, investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies would slash fuel costs by over €500 billion by 2020. These fuel cost savings could cover the required additional investments in the power sector until 2020 two-and-a-half times over. Starting the energy revolution would really pay off!" said Sven Teske, Greenpeace International energy expert and the report's project manager.
The Energy [R]evolution shows how 56% of the primary energy demand could be covered by renewable energy sources by 2050. Renewables could provide 88% of electricity and 56% of the heat supply sector by the middle of the century. Efficiency gains and the increased use of renewable electricity for vehicles and some limited sustainable biofuels could reduce CO2 emissions in the transport sector by over 70%.
"By the middle of this century, EU energy-related CO2 emissions can be brought down by nearly 80%. Risky carbon capture and storage experiments or nuclear power are certainly not needed to achieve this - proven renewable technologies and the smart use of energy are enough," said Teske.
Only a few hours ago, Greenpeace activists put the Energy [R]evolution into practice by scaling a 150-metre high chimney at the Pątnów coal power plant in Lower Silesia, in Poland, and hanging a giant banner reading: 'Quit coal, save the climate'. As international climate negotiations get underway in the Polish city of Poznan, Greenpeace calls on the Polish government to start acting to defend the climate and stop undermining the EU climate package.
Other contacts:
Sven Teske – Greenpeace International renewable energy campaign: + 31 (0)621 296 894
Mark Breddy – Greenpeace EU communications manager: +32 (0)2 274 1903, +32 (0)496 156 229 (mob.), 
Notes:
[1] As the Poznan international climate conference gets underway in Poland, the EU is days away from sealing a deal on its own response to climate change with a series of laws known as the ‘climate package.’ These include legislation to set emissions targets for the EU and for its member states, to establish rules for a new emissions trading system, to boost renewables in the EU and to regulate carbon capture and storage technology. EU leaders are also due to agree on a new law to reduce emissions from cars.
Copies of the global ‘Energy [R]evolution: A sustainable World Energy Outlook’ report can be downloaded at: http://www.greenpeace.org/energyrevolution " target="=_blank">www.greenpeace.org/energyrevolution
and
http://www.energyblueptint.info " target="=_blank">www.energyblueptint.info