The journey to net zero : 12 perspectives from the frontline of the energy transition in Europe

Abstract

This e-book shares 12 fresh perspectives, based on interviews recorded between 2019 and 2021 for the FSR’s Net Zero Podcast, from key actors on the ground who are undertaking the transition in the first person, but with very different viewpoints. After a word from Ditte Juul Jørgensen, Director General for Energy of the European Commission touching on the European Green Deal and Fit for 55 package, we start or journey with the destination in mind– where are we going? What will the world look like when we have reached net zero? Albert Cheung from BNEF discusses the possibilities and requirements of a fully decarbonised power sector. Tara Connolly, formerly of Greenpeace, tells us about the complex implications of the energy transition for the environment and Andris Piebalgs, former European Commissioner for Energy, shares his views on the new geopolitics of renewables. We then investigate who will get us there by gathering diverse perspectives from four types of key actors: power companies (António Mexia, former CEO of EDP); consumers (Monika de Volder, from BEUC – the European Consumer Organisation); start-ups (Elena Bou, from InnoEnergy); and policymakers (Kadri Simson, European Commissioner for Energy). Finally, we ask how we will get there and bring you the latest on what we see as the main levers in the energy transition: the role of digital transformation, as seen by Chris Peeters, CEO of Elia; the impact of adequate CO2 pricing, according to Auke Lont, former CEO of Stattnet and member of the Energy Transitions Commission; the long-term role of green hydrogen, in the perspective of Michele Azalbert, CEO of the Hydrogen Business Unit at Engie; the short-term importance of carbon capture, according to Mechthild Wörsdörfer, Director for Sustainability, Technology and Outlooks at the International Energy Agency; and the unavoidable need for a new finance paradigm, with Zoë Knight, Managing Director and Group Head of the HSBC Centre of Sustainable Finance.