Europe's goal to double electricity use in the economy by 2040 has been deemed ‘unachievable’
A European Commission target of 46% electricity use across all energy consumption by 2040 divided EU countries on Wednesday, while more fundamental criticism grows.
With the target, the bloc’s executive aims to massively boost heat pumps, electric vehicles and other industry solutions – ranging from electric boilers (very large kettles) to plasma torches and arc furnaces – in a bid to double the share of electrons in Europe’s energy mix.
But while many, including climate activists, have criticised the Commission for a lack of ambition, one EU diplomat commented that the non-binding target was an “unattainable dreamland” – suggesting that in political terms it is too ambitious.
A first discussion of the target on Wednesday by EU ambassadors saw a divide emerge over whether the 46% was too ambitious or not ambitious enough, according to diplomats briefed on the talks.
