INTRODUCTION

Recommendations

Info

dioxide emissions in Europe. Energy Union in the plan, however, interest in solar energy, wind power and other renewable energy sources, takes precedence. In the long run, Europe could maintain constant, if not increase, their carbon emissions by switching to less efficient renewable sources and ignoring the benefits of natural gas (Jorge & Hertwich, 2014). While it is debatable whether or not the US has adopted a similar energy strategy, there is no denying that the country is focused on the efficiency of production, transportation and costs. The result of this policy is clear: the prices at lower power consumption, higher output and reducing carbon emissions. This last point is particularly relevant given that the USA have focused on fossil fuels (EIA, 2014). European leaders refuse to recognize the natural gas, or improvement of infrastructure, such as a short or medium-term solution simultaneously to the development of alternative energy sources. By choosing to use renewable sources of energy to protect the environment than the most affordable and efficient fuels, Europe is trying to implement longterm solutions but with short-term maturities. This confusion of priorities has resulted in more than a decade late. The efficiency of energy production from renewable sources become economically viable only after decades of investment in infrastructure, such as the harnessing of wind in Denmark (Nelsen, 2015). The Danish wind farms, in fact, have the lowest marginal cost in Europe but this is the result of forty years of investment (Lund et al, 2010). It is simply unthinkable for the rest of Europe to duplicate these results in the short term. In addition, the lack of interconnection prevents excess energy, coming from the Danish wind farms, reaches Germany and other nations. Solar energy is the focus of attention for some European states. For example, in Germany, the solar panels are particularly supported and subsidized. In 2012, the photovoltaic industry has received more than 50% of the total German energy subsidies while producing only about 20% of the energy generated (Figure [I]) (Neubacher and Schroder, 2012). While solar energy is effective, resulting in low-carbon, solar panels currently meet less than 30% efficiency (Honsberg and Bowden, 2011). The solar energy concentration to the exclusion of other energy sources, is costing Germany; the failure to integrate the infrastructure systems across the continent is costing to other EU countries. In the race towards renewable energy, many countries have ignored the proposal, in terms of efficiency, fossil fuels. These could substantially reduce carbon emissions in comparable amounts. 6
Moreover, a large part of the European climate is not suitable for the full exploitation of solar energy. The region has low-altitude clouds, fog and large amounts of snow reflect sunlight (NASA, 2015). Figure [II] provides information on the levels of global solar radiation and solar energy in Europe. Figure [I] 56.2%, share of funding allocated for solar energy 21% share of electricity generated is produced by solar energy. Figure [II] - Electric photovoltaic potential in European countries Although Germany has contributed to the diffusion of solar technology in Europe, statistics show that the country has a low potential for photovoltaic energy production with high efficiency. In northern Europe, then, solar energy is not efficient energy production source 7
Page 1 and 2: 1
Page 3 and 4: delivery and other shortcomings, if
Page 5: This ambitious project will remain
Page 9 and 10: "The European electricity consumpti
Page 11 and 12: crucial for countries that do not h
Page 13 and 14: diversity of interests among the Me
Page 15 and 16: In the near future, Europe will mos
Page 17 and 18: POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Creating
Page 19: There are currently too many confli

INTRODUCTION

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?