EU POWER TO ZERO OUT BY 2050

European power companies say they will try to be carbon neutral by 2050
March 18, 2009 (Seattle Times)

"European electricity companies pledged… to go 'carbon neutral' and drastically curb greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

"Eurelectric, a group of power companies from the EU's 27 countries [which generate 70% of European Union power], said members such as E.On AG, Electricite de France SA, RWE AG and Enel would reduce carbon dioxide emissions and offset what they can't avoid."

EU emissions, part 1. (click to enlarge)

"Carbon offsets usually invest in climate change projects in the developing world — such as planting trees or building solar panels — and allow companies in rich nations to cancel out their emissions of carbon dioxide…"

EU emissions, part 2. (click to enlarge)

"Eurelectric said it needed the European Union and governments to help out by supporting renewable energy, nuclear power and coal technologies such as carbon capture and storage that would strip carbon emissions from coal-burning power plants and bury the CO2 underground…a crucial factor was simpler regulatory permission for building new plants.

"Europe's biggest polluters are coal-burning power stations that will gradually be replaced over the next few decades. Eurelectric said the industry needs [~1.8 trillion euros] in investment to replace aging plants, develop power grids, meet new demand and hit environmental targets…"