economy
Europe’s ‘staggering’ clean power gains undermined by failure to phase out fuel-burning machines
The EU’s reluctance to replace petrol cars and gas boilers keep it hooked on foreign fuels, say industry groups
TL;DR
- Europe has achieved substantial progress in clean power production but has neglected to electrify fuel-burning machines.
- The Electrification Alliance calls for a focus on moving clean electricity into buildings, industry, and transport.
- Sluggish electrification leaves households vulnerable to high energy bills, exacerbated by rising oil and gas prices due to geopolitical events.
- High taxes on electricity are identified as a major barrier to the green transition.
- Falling costs of clean technology make it easier and more economically viable to adopt electric vehicles and heat pumps.
- EU leaders acknowledge the need to adjust energy tax policies to favor electricity over fossil fuels.