VTT: A low-carbon Finland is a great challenge, but an achievable one

The EU low-carbon economy targets for 2050 are strict, but within Finland's reach, according to VTT. Greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by as much as 90 per cent if clean energy technologies are developed and adopted at an accelerated pace in energy production, industry, housing and transport.

VTT specialists have assessed Finland's chances of achieving the 80% greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. The EU's goal for 2050 is to reduce emissions by at least 80% from the level of 1990.

The goal is a tough one for Finland, but possible to achieve as long as all sectors that produce or consume energy take part. On top of this, all greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced. Finland requires new technological solutions for industrial activity, for the transport of people, goods and services, and for housing and working methods. If clean forms of energy and the efficiency of energy use are substantially developed and widely adopted, Finland could become a seller of emission allowances and clean energy.

Finland benefits from the availability of substantial reserves of renewable energy and a diversified energy structure.

In 2050, 85–100% of Finnish electricity could be produced free of carbon dioxide. This requires diverse energy production and the widespread adoption of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, in connection with both fossil fuel and biomass use.

If the industry significantly improves its energy efficiency and adopts CCS, 80% of the energy consumed by industry will be carbon-neutral. Resource efficiency must be improved and the use of recycled materials increased.

A 70–80% level of carbon-neutral energy in transport is possible to achieve by 2050. In low-carbon transport, there is great demand for biofuels; these could constitute up to 40% of the total energy consumed by transport sector.

Of the final energy used by buildings, 85–95% would be carbon-neutral in 2050. Some buildings could even produce energy locally. The potential for improving the energy efficiency of buildings is great even with current technologies, but sufficiently rapid implementation poses a challenge.

Low Carbon Finland 2050 is a self-financed strategic research project of VTT that supports VTT's own long-term operational planning. The project combines technological expertise from various areas of competence within VTT, from low-carbon and smart energy systems to foresight and energy system modelling.

VTT's Low Carbon 2050 research project's final report online: http://www.vtt.fi/inf/pdf/visions/2012/V2.pdf

Further information

Kai Sipilä, Vice President, Energy
+358 20 722 5440, kai.sipila@vtt.fi

Satu Helynen, Vice President, Energy and Pulp & Paper
tel. +358 20 722 2661, satu.helynen@vtt.fi

Tiina Koljonen, Principal Scientist
+358 20 722 5806, tiina.koljonen@vtt.fi

Further information on VTT:

Olli Ernvall
Senior Vice President, Communications
358 20 722 6747
olli.ernvall@vtt.fi
www.vtt.fi

VTT - 70 years of technology for business and society
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland is a leading multitechnological applied research organization in Northern Europe. VTT creates new technology and science-based innovations in co-operation with domestic and foreign partners. VTT’s turnover is EUR 290 million and itspersonnel totals 3,100.

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