This summer, the EU institutions will debate how greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by 90% by 2040 compared to 1990 levels. In her presentation, Hermine Mitter discussed the possible effects of this decarbonization target for Austria. Specifically, she presented four scenarios that were developed together with stakeholders in the NetZero2040 research project. All four scenarios follow the emissions reduction path to 2040 and differ in terms of final energy demand and import shares of energy sources.
Three key results emerge for Austria:
- Final energy consumption decreases in all scenarios. The main reasons for this are the electrification of mobility and space heating as well as measures on the demand side, such as reducing the number of kilometers driven.
- The structure of the energy system changes fundamentally in all scenarios. This includes a rapid expansion of electricity generation from renewable energy sources with a simultaneous, drastic reduction in the use of fossil fuels.
- The speed with which the energy system must be changed in order to become climate-neutral is unprecedented. Both photovoltaics and wind power must be expanded faster in absolute terms than was the case with hydropower, wind power or natural gas in the past.
This makes it clear once again that business, politics, society and science must all be equally committed to achieving the climate neutrality target by 2040.