The EU welcomed a green milestone on Wednesday as renewable energy overtook fossil fuels as a source of electricity in the bloc.
Clean energy sources such as solar and wind power accounted for 38 per cent of the EU’s electricity in 2020, while fossil fuels such as oil and gas made up 37 per cent.
This is the first time that renewable energy has taken the lead, the European Commission said in an announcement, just days before the start of the Cop26 summit.
The other 25 per cent came from nuclear power, whose status is disputed. EU members such as France regard it as a clean energy source, but others such as Germany do not.
Kadri Simson, the EU’s Energy Commissioner, said there were times last year when renewables made up the majority of Europe’s electricity.
“In the present set-up, fossil fuels are only used when there is not enough affordable green or low-carbon energy to meet the demand,” she said.
She said greater use of renewables was the only durable way out of the current spike in energy prices, caused by a surge in demand for gas.
“It is imperative that we do not scale back our ambition, but accelerate the green transition,” she said.
Nine EU members, including Austria and Belgium, have already phased out coal power, which is regarded as the most environmentally damaging fossil fuel.
Germany, one of the EU’s biggest coal users, is poised to bring forward its coal exit to 2030 under plans being discussed by potential coalition partners in Berlin. The current date set in law is 2038.
France wants nuclear power designated as a clean fuel, opening the door to green investment, but this is opposed by Germany, Austria and other nations.
Hydroelectric and wind power are the most common renewable sources across Europe, followed by solar energy and solid biofuels.
While renewables are now the most common energy source in electricity generation, other sectors such as heating and transport are further behind.
Renewables made up only 9 per cent of energy use in the transport sector, despite electric car registrations trebling from 2019 to 2020.
Some 30 per cent of road emissions come from heavy-duty vehicles such as buses and lorries.
The EU’s overall greenhouse gas emissions were down by 31 per cent compared to 1990 levels, which is the benchmark used by officials. The target is that they should be down 55 per cent by 2030.
Brussels said energy use remained higher than the level required to meet the 2030 target. “More efforts are needed to meet climate targets,” Ms Simson said.
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British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
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The National photo project
Chris Whiteoak, a photographer at The National, spent months taking some of Jacqui Allan's props around the UAE, positioning them perfectly in front of some of the country's most recognisable landmarks. He placed a pirate on Kite Beach, in front of the Burj Al Arab, the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland at the Burj Khalifa, and brought one of Allan's snails (Freddie, which represents her grandfather) to the Dubai Frame. In Abu Dhabi, a dinosaur went to Al Ain's Jebel Hafeet. And a flamingo was taken all the way to the Hatta Mountains. This special project suitably brings to life the quirky nature of Allan's prop shop (and Allan herself!).
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Director: Saeed Roustaee
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Rating: 4/5
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Sheer grandeur
The Owo building is 14 storeys high, seven of which are below ground, with the 30,000 square feet of amenities located subterranean, including a 16-seat private cinema, seven lounges, a gym, games room, treatment suites and bicycle storage.
A clear distinction between the residences and the Raffles hotel with the amenities operated separately.
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