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The key role of sufficiency for low demand-based carbon neutrality and energy security across Europe

Author

Listed:
  • Frauke Wiese

    (Europa-Universität Flensburg)

  • Nicolas Taillard

    (négaWatt Association)

  • Emile Balembois

    (négaWatt Association)

  • Benjamin Best

    (Climate Neutral Bonn 2035 Program Office)

  • Stephane Bourgeois

    (négaWatt Association)

  • José Campos

    (ELTE University)

  • Luisa Cordroch

    (Europa-Universität Flensburg)

  • Mathilde Djelali

    (négaWatt Association)

  • Alexandre Gabert

    (négaWatt Association)

  • Adrien Jacob

    (négaWatt Association)

  • Elliott Johnson

    (University of Leeds)

  • Sébastien Meyer

    (negaWatt Belgium
    Université Catholique de Louvain)

  • Béla Munkácsy

    (ELTE University)

  • Lorenzo Pagliano

    (Architecture and Urban Studies Department)

  • Sylvain Quoilin

    (University of Liege)

  • Andrea Roscetti

    (Architecture and Urban Studies Department
    Accademia di Architettura)

  • Johannes Thema

    (Europa-Universität Flensburg
    Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy)

  • Paolo Thiran

    (Université Catholique de Louvain)

  • Adrien Toledano

    (négaWatt Association)

  • Bendix Vogel

    (Europa-Universität Flensburg
    Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) e.V.)

  • Carina Zell-Ziegler

    (Technische Universität Berlin
    Oeko-Institut)

  • Yves Marignac

    (négaWatt Association)

Abstract

A detailed assessment of a low energy demand, 1.5 ∘C compatible pathway is provided for Europe from a bottom-up, country scale modelling perspective. The level of detail enables a clear representation of the potential of sufficiency measures. Results show that by 2050, 50% final energy demand reduction compared to 2019 is possible in Europe, with at least 40% of it attributable to various sufficiency measures across all sectors. This reduction enables a 77% renewable energy share in 2040 and 100% in 2050, with very limited need for imports from outside of Europe and no carbon sequestration technologies. Sufficiency enables increased fairness between countries through the convergence towards a more equitable share of energy service levels. Here we show, that without sufficiency measures, Europe misses the opportunity to transform energy demand leaving considerable pressure on supply side changes combined with unproven carbon removal technologies.

Suggested Citation

  • Frauke Wiese & Nicolas Taillard & Emile Balembois & Benjamin Best & Stephane Bourgeois & José Campos & Luisa Cordroch & Mathilde Djelali & Alexandre Gabert & Adrien Jacob & Elliott Johnson & Sébastien, 2024. "The key role of sufficiency for low demand-based carbon neutrality and energy security across Europe," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-53393-0
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-53393-0
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