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Page added on June 30, 2010
The EU’s Solar Science Fiction
Solar energy in Europe remains, by far, the most expensive energy source and it will be years before it can compete, even with other renewable sources. Germany, Italy, and especially Spain, once shining examples for the solar industry, have backtracked on their initial embraces of solar and are now cutting subsidies. Indeed, earlier this year, Spain scrapped subsidies for new solar power plants as part of the effort to cut its massive debt. Now Spanish officials are readying legislation to reduce feed-in tariffs by almost 45 percent on existing solar power plants.
That is not to say that EU leaders shouldn’t support nascent technologies that will one day probably contribute to the block’s energy security and climate change goals. After all, Europe can’t fall behind in a global climate change race already underway. But business as usual won’t cut it. Europe can’t continue promising a future without addressing its present. The EU’s credibility is severely diminished and what remains is pegged to the backing of countries like Germany.
If Europe is to survive its institutional crisis it will require redefining itself and narrowing the gap between empty political posturing and reality. Otherwise, Europe’s word will erode even further. A good start would be addressing some of unresolved energy issues in the block, from its failed climate change strategy and its inability to coordinate a common external policy, to its incoherent internal markets that have derailed efforts to interconnect all European countries.
2 Comments on "The EU’s Solar Science Fiction"
KenZ300 on Wed, 30th Jun 2010 1:47 am
Europe has seen how reliable power from Russia is. The past few years the threats of power reductions and cut off of supplies from Russia should be a wake up call for all of europe to be more self sufficient in energy. Sustainable energy is the only way that europe can be sure to have the power it needs to supply it’s economy. As fossil fuel becomes more expensive and less plentiful the price and reliability will make alternative energy seem like a bargain.
Roderick Beck on Wed, 30th Jun 2010 5:33 am
You’re wrong, Ken. It is phantasy to think renewables are low enough in cost to be the bedrock of European energy. It will be a combination of nuclear, gas, and coal. But mostly important, it will be energy efficiency. Dwellings can be renovated so that they require very little heating and cooling. Public transporation and fast trains. Cars are for losers.