By Celsias Team
Posted on June 22, 2010. Listed in:
Carbon Zero Britain? Why not, says the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) in their latest report. By 2030, Britain could be operating with emissions reduced to zero for all greenhouse gases and across all sectors, according to the energy strategy outlined in the report.
“ zerocarbonbritain2030 shows how the right mix of wind power, hydro, solar, biomass - plus an intelligent grid to manage demand, can ‘keep the lights on’ and supply the energy the country needs– with major win-wins across the economy, ” says Paul Allen from CAT.
The report aims to integrate thinking across a range of sectors and identify potential for 'Powering Down' through reducing demand and 'Powering Up' renewables to 100% by 2030. And this can all be achieved without a single requirement of nuclear energy.
“We have the lifetime of this parliament to break Britain's fossil fuel addiction,” says Andrew Simms, policy director of the New Economics Foundation.
“The BP fiasco underlines how important it is that we act now. If we do, we can enjoy greater energy security and a more sustainable, dynamic and resilient economy. If we don't we will lurch from one energy and environmental crisis to another on a downward spiral.”
Here’s a breakdown of the key priorities of the report:
Transport
63% reduction in energy use for transport could be achieved by:
-A switch from petrol / diesel powered vehicles to electric / battery powered vehicles.
-Rail and bus services replacing domestic and short haul flights.
-Two- thirds reduction in long haul aviation using kerosene fuel produced from coppice in the UK.
Buildings
50% reduction in heat and electricity demand could be achieved by:
- Insulation of all of Britain's un-insulated cavity walls and lofts.
-Using natural construction materials such as wood, straw and other natural materials will lock away C02.
Land Use:
- Britain can grow most of its own food whilst still producing biomass for heating, electricity and transport fuel.
- Land can be used to mop up residual emissions through sequestration.
- A 80% reduction in livestock products that generate 82% of green house gases in the agricultural sector. Non-livestock products generate more food and have a higher nutritional value.
Policy
The report also recognizes that action in the UK alone is not enough, making the transition will require unprecedented collaboration on a global scale. The report:
- Emphasises the urgent need for an international agreement
- Explores different policy options for emissions reduction including cap and trade, carbon tax and tradable energy quotas
Image: Flickr - sharkbait
