Climate neutrality possible by 2045: the coming years are crucial
Experts at Forschungszentrum Jülich still believe it is possible for Germany to become greenhouse gas-neutral by 2045. However, in order to meet the targets of the Climate Protection Act, extensive measures would have to be implemented in all areas by 2030, explained Detlef Stolten, Director of the Jülich Institute for Techno-Economic Systems Analysis, on Friday. The occasion was the presentation of a study entitled "Energy Perspectives 2030". "What we do in the next seven years is of crucial importance," he said.
In addition to a strong expansion of wind energy and photovoltaics, energy efficiency must be increased. "The most climate-friendly kilowatt hour is the one that is not consumed in the first place," said study author Felix Kullmann. The study also attributes an important role to heat pumps and building insulation.
The researchers predict that demand for hydrogen will increase rapidly from 2035. "In addition to ramping up domestic electrolysis capacities, Germany must therefore also create opportunities to import hydrogen by then, as more than half of the hydrogen required will be imported."
Another important pillar is biomass, said Kullmann. By 2030, around 14 percent of primary energy consumption would be covered by it. By 2045, this figure is expected to be 20 percent. "This is why the untapped potential of biogenic waste and residual materials must be tapped and we must begin to increase the area currently used for bioenergy cultivation by 2030."
Researchers: CO2 storage is essential for climate targets
The scientists are convinced that, despite the CO2 savings, it will also be necessary to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. "The goal of greenhouse gas neutrality cannot be achieved without the permanent storage of CO2," said Stolten. By 2045, there will be residual emissions of more than 70 million tons of CO2 that are difficult to avoid. These would have to be offset by so-called negative emissions of the same amount. Suitable storage sites for the CO2 removed would have to be found by 2030. For comparison: according to the Federal Environment Agency, greenhouse gas emissions in Germany will amount to 746 million tons of carbon dioxide in 2022.
The "Energy Perspectives 2030" study is based on calculations using software called Ethos. According to the research center, it was developed specifically for the analysis of cost-efficient strategies and measures to achieve the climate targets.
To achieve climate neutrality by 2045, alternative energy sources like wind energy, photovoltaics, and heat pumps must be expanded significantly, as mentioned by Detlef Stolten. Moreover, research into carbon dioxide (CO2) storage is essential, as highlighted by the experts, as permanent storage of CO2 is vital for offsetting residual emissions that are hard to avoid, such as the projected 70 million tons by 2045.
Source: www.dpa.com
