Among Europe's Climate Goals for 2030, there is also the decarbonisation of the energy sector. It is now a term that has become part of our everyday vocabulary, but what does it mean in practice? How are we coping with this shift in the way we produce electricity? Let us find out in the following paragraphs.

A brief definition of decarbonisation

Decarbonisation is one of the central themes in the current context, as the global community is increasingly committed to the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon energy model. Decarbonisation, therefore, aims to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in particular carbon dioxide (CO2), in order to combat climate change and promote more sustainable development.

How was energy produced until the emergence of sustainable systems?

Traditional electricity is commonly produced through the combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gas, in so-called thermoelectric plants. In this process, fuel is burned to generate heat, which in turn is used to produce steam. The high-pressure steam then drives a turbine connected to a generator, converting kinetic energy into electricity.

This method has been used for more than a century alone to feed the world's demand for electricity, but the time has come for a paradigm shift. Indeed, although widely used, is inherently polluting due to significant emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other air pollutants produced during combustion.

CO2 emissions from fossil fuel-fired thermal power plants are a primary cause of rising greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change. The associated air pollution also includes harmful substances such as sulphur and nitrogen oxides, fine particles and heavy metals, resulting in negative impacts on air quality and human health.

Since the power generation sector is on the podium of the most polluting, it was necessary to rethink the methods for creating energy and meeting the world's needs. Europe has chosen decarbonisation.

How is decarbonisation put into practice?

Although there has been much talk about the environment since the outbreak of the Pandemic in 2020, the term decarbonisation actually appeared much earlier in our vocabulary. Since 2015, steps have been officially taken to try to reduce energy production using fossil fuels and embrace new sustainable technologies.

Since then, EU Member States have been looking for new solutions to meet the key points that emerged during the UN climate conference, which ended with the Paris Agreement. Countries have therefore gradually taken measures to succeed in reducing CO2 production by 55% by 2030, with a view to setting new targets:

• installation of renewable energy systems. These, such as solar and wind, have seen significant improvements in efficiency and cost. In addition, battery and energy storage have become key elements in the management of intermittent energy resources.
• trade in green means of transport and installation of charging stations. Innovation in the transport sector has seen the increasing adoption of electric vehicles, reducing dependence on fossil fuels
• realisation of standards for industrial decarbonisation. More and more companies have adopted practices to reduce their waste and emissions. Safety and quality standards attesting to the sustainability of companies have emerged and the figure of the environmental and welfare advisor has been introduced.
• policies and incentives. Finally, European states have enacted laws and granted subsidies for the installation of solar panels on buildings and the efficiency of homes.

The question we ask ourselves today is: have all these efforts brought concrete results?

Current data on decarbonisation

Is Europe meeting the decarbonisation guidelines set by 2030? Let's look at some important data:

• Europe has reduced overall emissions by 32.5% since 1990, with the UK leading the way with a reduction of 48.7%
• However, the recent rush to use liquefied natural gas (LNG) and the return to coal in Germany highlight energy security challenges
• In 2022 the’Europe produced more energy from wind and solar than from gas, but still risks missing the 2030 climate targets, with significant delays in key technologies such as clean energy, wind, hydrogen and carbon capture and storage

The current approach, driven by arbitrary 2030 targets, needs to be reformulated in a proactive and pragmatic manner. An options-based approach that promotes economic security and manages risks is essential. This requires proactive planning, assessment of potential impacts of risks and flexible climate policies.

Italy is also in a critical situation in the decarbonisation process, as highlighted by the analysis of the Zero Carbon Policy Agenda 2023. With less than seven years to 2030 and the 2050 targets, the country faces a considerable challenge to reduce CO2 emissions by 125 million tonnes. CO2 emissions decreased by only 1% compared to 2019, bringing the total reductions to 30% since 2005. The sectors most in trouble are transport and construction, which are far from the 2030 targets. Despite efforts, the gap to be closed within eight years remains huge. Innovation and investment are slow, with the NRP lagging behind and resources still insufficient.

Conclusions

The path to decarbonisation is a crucial challenge and Europe is committed to the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon energy model. Reducing CO2 emissions is key to combating climate change and promoting sustainable development. However, the road to clean and sustainable energy production is strewn with challenges and requires a concrete commitment from governments, companies and citizens.

Global dependence on fossil fuels, supported by entrenched economic interests, makes the transition to sustainable energy sources a political and economic challenge. Furthermore, the need for up-to-date and resilient infrastructure is another obstacle, as many regions still face challenges in modernising energy networks. The transition also entails the conversion of traditional economic sectors, leading to concerns about job losses and changing local economic dynamics. Overcoming these obstacles requires global commitment, strong political leadership and economic incentives to push towards decarbonisation.

While Europe has reduced emissions overall, challenges such as the use of liquefied natural gas and the return to coal highlight the complexity of the process. It is crucial to reformulate approaches, adopting proactive and pragmatic strategies that ensure economic security and manage the associated risks.

In this context, companies such as Heiwit play a crucial role. By offering innovative solar systems for businesses and individuals, we actively contribute to reducing emissions and promoting sustainable energy practices. Our commitment is to lead the transition to a more promising future, and we invite everyone to join us in this cause. With targeted investments, flexible policies and a collaborative approach, we can overcome the challenges of decarbonisation and build a more sustainable world for future generations.