Abstract

Transforming the European energy system is imperative for reasons of climate, security and the economy. The energy infrastructures which will power citizens' homes, industry and services in 2050 are being designed and built now, and the pattern of energy production and use in 2050 is already being set. However, today there is still an inadequate direction as to what should follow the 2020 agenda. With the recent Energy Roadmap 2050 the European Commission explored the challenges posed by delivering the EU's decarbonisation objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 80-95% below 1990 levels by 2050, while at the same time ensuring security of energy supply and competitiveness. The article presents the key features of the Roadmap, showing that decarbonisation is feasible and a number of «no regret» options emerge, which can bring down emissions effectively and in an economically viable way.