The energy [r]evolution is a report produced by the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC) and Greenpeace, which provides a practical blueprint for how to halve global CO2 emissions, while allowing for an increase in energy consumption by 2050.

EREC and Greenpeace believe that the electricity sector will lead the way, followed by the heating sector and the transport sector. The assumption is that oil will cost US$100 per barrel by 2050 and carbon US$50 per tonne. These are quite conservative assumptions, according to Dr Wolfman Krewitt, a co-author from the German aerospace centre (DLR).

The report explains how existing energy technologies can be applied more efficiently. It demonstrates how a ‘business as usual’ scenario, based on IEA’s World Energy Outlook projections, is not an option for environmental, economic and security of supply reasons.

The timing of this report is crucial. Within the coming years, decisions will be made to replace the generating capacity of the existing power infrastructure in the OECD countries. Developing countries, such as China, India and Brazil, are rapidly constructing their energy infrastructure to service their economic growth.

A comprehensive website, which can be found at www.energyblueprint.info, provides information on the global, as well as regional scenarios.