Study: EU energy demand can be cut by two thirds
BMU, Germany: By 2050, the European Union’s energy demand can be cut by two thirds by implementing energy-efficiency measures. This is the conclusion of a study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research (Fraunhofer ISI), which was commissioned by the Federal Environment Ministry (BMU). The study was presented in Berlin today. “Increasing energy efficiency is a field that holds huge potential. We can significantly reduce our energy demand. At the same time, around 90 percent of all energy-saving measures pay for themselves. Energy efficiency can lead to a considerable reduction in energy costs and even to profits”, commented Katherina Reiche, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Environment Ministry. Energy efficiency would thus make a crucial contribution to reducing EU greenhouse gas emissions as planned by 80 percent by 2050. According to the study, if all the measures it outlines were implemented, annually increasing savings of billions of euros would be possible; in 2050 savings would total around 500 billion euros per year. (Source: http://www.bmu.de/english/press_releases/pm/49410.php)