How can we ensure renewable energy solutions are truly sustainable?

At first glance, the use of renewable energy solutions appears to be fully compatible with sustainable development policies. However, the European chemical industry calls for an in-depth analysis of renewable energy solutions from a cost-benefit perspective, as well as a thorough investigation of their side effects to understand how they can best benefit the environment, society and the economy. The use of renewables as such is not a positive tool if it pays no attention to the shortage of resources it may cause or to potential increase in  emissions.

In the face of a growing population and related social tensions including a scarcity of resources, Europeans seeking energy security are, not surprisingly, attracted to renewable energy. Such energy conveys an image of sustainability because it is seen as not diminishing a stock of limited resources. Using natural resources without increasing our ecological footprint is indeed a convincing argument. This explains why the EU aims to get 20% of its energy from renewables by 2020 as a step for a more sustainable energy policy.

Cefic position on the promotion of renewable energy

While Cefic acknowledges the value of such a renewables policy, we believe that appropriate and balanced measures must be taken to evaluate its impacts. In terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for example, renewable energy does not necessarily always offer the best performance. In order to enjoy the benefit of this renewable energy - via, for example, solar or wind energy tools - it may be necessary to launch production processes that could have other undesirable side effects like great energy consumption. A comprehensive analysis of the tools from the cradle to the grave would prove useful here to improve renewable energy production processes.

Efforts to achieve a low carbon economy must be pursued in a balanced and progressive way in order to minimise disturbances to competitiveness. A massive and sudden shift to renewable energy would impact chemical prices as our industry already uses some elements of renewable energy as raw materials. This would have an impact on the rest of the economy, which relies on many chemical products. In addition, in the case of biofuels for example, competition between food and energy uses looks unacceptable.

Cefic contribution to understanding of renewable energy

Chemistry has played a major role in the development of many renewable solutions – a fact which has not been well publicised.  Efficient windmills and improved solar energy devices need sophisticated chemical solutions to perform even better and constantly grow more competitive. The newest lightweight materials often require renewable materials - both in terms of energy sources to produce them and in terms of elements of the final products. This remains a stimulating challenge.

Renewable energy is, in fact, an innovation issue. As with any new product, renewable energy needs to find its market and mobilise consumers all along the value chain. Some long- term and coordinated policies would definitely help in this regard, without punishing technology leaders.

Next steps

Cefic supports a renewable energy policy that it is assessed in a balanced way in terms of cost-effectiveness. The European chemical industry urges that an efficient energy market and adequate public policies must be in place in order for renewable energy to be competitive. At meetings of the EU High Level Group on the Competitiveness of the European chemical industry, Cefic made clear its support for more research to improve the performance of renewable energy and enlarge its scope. Cefic will continue to deliver such messages.