Media Centre

 04.07.08 Urgent action is needed to create a new global energy revolution

Deep emissions cuts are technically achievable. However, an energy revolution, in which all countries and all sectors participate, is urgently needed. These are the main conclusions presented at the UK launch of the International Energy Agency's "Energy Technology Perspectives" report in the UK. The event was co-hosted by the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC), the Energy Research Partnership (ERP) and the International Energy Agency (IEA).

"Meeting the target of a 50% reduction in emissions represents a formidable challenge that would require a new global energy revolution transforming the way we produce and use energy. The participation of all major economies is essential to the process", said Neil Hirst, Director of the IEA's office of Energy and Technology.

The Energy Technology Perspectives report highlights that, in the power sector, investment in zero-carbon power generation would need to rise from around 50GW per year at present to around 330GW per year from 2035 to 2050. Investment in nuclear capacity would need to rise 50% above its maximum historical rate. Wind capacity additions must increase five-fold and  solar PV by twenty-fold. On average 35 coal-fired power plants with CCS must be installed per year between now and 2050. "Given the challenges of establishing a single CCS project today, this is really an energy technology revolution. More importantly is not a matter of choosing one of these technology options, but doing all at once", explained Neil Hirst.

Willy Ricket co chair of the Energy Research Partnership and Head of the Energy Group at BERR noted that "the report sets the international agenda and the UK is pleased to be leading the way on developing a number of key technologies, including CCS".

Paul Golby co chair of the Energy Research Partnership and Chief Executive of E.ON UK said "Today we had the opportunity to debate the complex and demanding issues that we face in our future energy requirements and to explore the role that technology and innovation in the widest sense can play in delivering this agenda".

Jim Skea, UKERC Research Director, concluded "We are very pleased to have had the opportunity to showcase this valuable piece of work that will help set priorities for the G8. The UK Energy Research Centre will continue to collaborate with the IEA, particularly  in areas such as technology roadmapping and research prioritisation, in order to progress the deployment of key technologies".