In the first global analysis of its kind, "Future Investment - A
sustainable Investment Plan for the power sector to save the
Climate", demonstrates a powerful economic argument for a shift in
global investments towards renewable energy (including solar, wind,
hydro, geothermal andbio energy), within the next 23 years, and
away from dangerous coal and nuclear power. The report gives the
financial rationale for Greenpeace's "Energy [R]evolution," a
blueprint for how to cut global CO2 emissions by 50% by 2050, while
maintaining global economic growth.
"As Live Earth mobilises billions of people to take urgent
action against the climate threat, our report shows not only that
the world's electricity needs can be met by renewable energy, but
that by doing so, we will literally save trillions of dollars; a
massive US $180 billion a year, forever," said Sven Teske,
Greenpeace International, Energy Expert.
"In sharp contrast, a 'business as usual' approach casts a dark
cloud over our future. Its 10,000 new fossil fuel power plants,
would increase global CO2 emissions by over 50%, and more than
double fuel costs; there is no way of putting a price on the
disastrous results this will have for environment and
humanity."
The energy [r]evolution needs an extra global annual investment
of $22 billion in clean and renewable power plants on top of
current expenditure. The fuel cost savings in the scenario, of up
to $202 billion per year, means this will pay for itself ten times
over. Meanwhile, converting the massive subsidies of $250 billion a
year that coal and gas receive to clean, safe renewable energy will
cover the costs of the energy [r]evolution and much more.
According to EREC the global market for wind turbines was worth
some €18 billion in 2006, and the total renewable industry $50
billion. Under an energy [r]evolution scenario, the total renewable
energy market would be worth a massive $288 billion by 2030.
"The renewable industry is willing and able to deliver the power
plants the world needs, we simply need the right climate and energy
policy. Decisions made in the next few years, will continue to have
an impact in 2050. Only if a renewable energy path is taken, can we
avoid the worst excesses of climate change!" said Oliver Schäfer,
EREC policy director.
The report stresses the urgent need for decisive action now. In
the next decade, many existing power plants will need replacing,
and emerging economies such as China, India and Brazil are rapidly
building new energy infrastructure.
Other contacts: Sven Teske, Greenpeace International Renewable Energy Campaigner +31 621 29 68 94Jo Kuper, Greenpeace International Communications +31 6 46 16 20 39Oliver Schäfer, EREC Policy Director + 32 496 65 2837
Notes: A copy of "Future Investment - A sustainable Investment Plan for the power sector to save the Climate" is available at http://www.greenpeace.org/energy-revolution-financing1. The Energy [R]evolution Scenario is a real alternative to the IEA´s world energy outlook, and the only practical blueprint for how to cut global energy related CO2 emission by 50% by 2050 to avoid dangerous climate change, while maintaining global economic growth. You can download it at http://www.greenpeace.org/international/press/reports/energy-revolution-a-sustainab2. With no change in energy policy, utilities will invest in more than 10,000 new fossil fuel power plants until 2030 worldwide. To supply those coal and gas fired power plants with fuel will add up between today and 2030 to US$18,6 trillion, compared to US$13,1 trillion in the Energy [R]evolution Scenario. This means fuel costs in the Energy [R]evolution Scenario are already 30% lower in the year 2030, by 2050, they are more than 70% lower.
Exp. contact date: 2007-07-19 00:00:00