The study ‘Building blocks for a common vision for a decarbonised electricity in the Penta region’ is the second in a series of interlinked studies ordered by the ministers of energy of the Pentalateral Energy Forum. It was commissioned by the Benelux Secretariat General on behalf of the Pentalateral Energy Forum. The study was performed by Artelys.
This report replies to the need to create a common understanding of the expectations and challenges to build a future electricity system in the Penta region, covering Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Switzerland. This request was expressed by energy ministers of the Pentalateral Energy Forum. The consultancy firm Artelys was asked to conduct a comparison of national scenarios and to provide building blocks that an serve as a basis for a common vision.
The report discusses the main elements and concrete steps, including intermediate steps for 2030 and 2040, towards a climate neutral energy system in 2050, along four dimensions: power demand, supply power system stability and methodologies underlying the scenario assessments. For these dimensions, the likely developments and remaining uncertainties were analysed, leading to twelve necessary conditions or “convictions” to facilitate the decarbonisation, as well as indicative actions on how to put these into effect.
The researchers concluded that an economy-wide decarbonisation requires a quick and full decarbonisation of the power sector, ideally towards 2035, requiring rapid action in various domains. The countries in the Pentalateral Energy Forum are particularly well placed to initiate or accelerate the required changes.
3.03.2023
Benelux Secretariat General on behalf of the Pentalateral Energy Forum
