The new electrification target is a stretch – politically and mathematically
Europe’s decarbonisation ambitions have proven a long-standing source of irritation, particularly for industries that are compelled to invest in expensive alternatives to fossil-fuel power production.
The debate has now taken on a new dimension as the European Commission, with growing concern over reliance on imported oil and gas added to climate concerns, puts forward Europe’s first electrification target: to double the amount of electricity in the EU’s total energy mix.
The ambition – 46% of total energy use by 2040 – has, predictably, drawn widespread criticism.
Climate activists argue it doesn’t go far enough and lacks the legal teeth needed to really revolutionise energy consumption; others have portrayed it as an “unattainable dreamland”.
