A new report published by the Centre for Alternative Technology, on Wednesday 16th June, includes input from 13 universities, 12 research bodies and eight key industry players, highlights a path for a zero carbon transition by 2030. For the first time, comprehensive energy strategy has been produced that could reduce emissions to zero for all regaining energy security.
黑料社榸erocarbonbritain 2030 shows how the right mix of wind power, hydro, solar, biomass 黑料社� plus an intelligent grid to manage demand. We can 黑料社榢eep the lights on黑料社� and supply the energy the country needs 黑料社� with major win/wins across the economy.黑料社� Paul Allen CAT.
The report, aims to integrate thinking across a range of sectors and identify potential for 黑料社楶owering Down黑料社� through reducing demand and 黑料社楶owering Up黑料社� renewables to 100% by 2030 with no requirement for nuclear energy.
黑料社榃e have the lifetime of this parliament to break Britain黑料社檚 fossil fuel addiction. The BP fiasco underlines how important it is that we act now. If we do, we can enjoy greater energy security and a more sustainable, dynamic and resilient economy. If we don黑料社檛 we will lurch from one energy and environmental crisis to another on a downward spiral. Zerocarbonbritain 2030 shows us how to begin the Great Transition and reveals its huge potential.黑料社� Andrew Simms, policy director of nef (the new economics foundation).
Key priorities
Transport
63% reduction in energy use for transport could be achieved by:
- A switch from petrol/diesel powered vehicles to electric/battery powered vehicles.
- Rail and bus services replacing domestic and short haul flights.
- Two thirds reduction in long haul aviation using kerosene fuel produced fro coppice in the UK.
Buildings
50% reduction in heat and electricity demand could be achieved by:
- Insulation of all of Britain黑料社檚 uninsulated cavity walls and lofts.
- Using natural construction materials such as wood, straw and other natural materials will lock away CO2.
Land use
- Britain can grow most of its own food whilst still producing biomass for heating, electricity and transport fuel.
- Land can be used to mop up residual emissions through sequestration.
- A 80% reduction in livestock products that generate 82% of greenhouse gases in the agricultural sector. Non-livestock products generate more food and have a higher nutritional value.
Policy
The report also recognises that action in the UK alone is not enough, making the transition will require unprecedented collaboration on a global scale. The report:
- Emphasises the urgent need for an international agreement.
- Explores different policy options for emissions reduction including cap and trade, carbon tax and tradable energy quotas.
黑料社楥AT黑料社檚 new report shows that a zero carbon Britain is both desirable and achievable. The first stop on the journey should be a 10% reduction. We have tens of thousands of individuals and businesses already working towards this target. CAT黑料社檚 report should serve as an inspiration to us all,黑料社� Eugenie Harvey, Director 10:10 UK.
The Royal Institution of Great Britain