EU to push for fossil fuel phaseout ‘well ahead of 2050’ at Cop28

The EU wants states to agree at Cop28 to increase the use of renewable energy sources, phase out fossil fuels more quickly, and give carbon capture technology a "residual" role.

According to EU climate director Frans Timmermans, the European Union would advocate for a global commitment to phase out unabated fossil fuels "well ahead of 2050" at Cop28.

According to him, the pledge would entail ending the use of coal power and removing emissions from the oil and gas industry, with carbon capture playing a very little part in all of this.

At a gathering of the EU's environment and energy ministers in Spain this week, the group outlined its shared objectives ahead of the climate conference in Dubai.

Timmermans said the EU wants governments to sign up to a pledge with three main elements: better energy efficiency, an accelerated phase-out of fossil fuels, and a "residual" role for carbon abatement technologies. Cop28 chief Sultan Al Jaber was present at the event.

differences regarding carbon capture

The final point deals with the application of carbon capture and storage (CCS), a general name for a number of procedures designed to capture CO2 emissions produced by burning fossil fuels.

CCS is at the center of a contentious discussion. While the globe continues to run its operations on fossil fuels, governments that produce oil and gas and the industry contend that it is vital to extract gases that harm the planet.

It is allegedly a loophole for the fossil fuel sector that would prolong the climate crisis, according to campaigners and a host of progressive governments.

What do you mean by "unabated" fossil fuels?

The United Arab Emirates, which are hosting Cop28, are strong supporters of CCS. When Al Jaber called for a reduction in "fossil fuel emissions" in May and asserted that oil and gas will continue to play a role in the near future, he infuriated many people who follow climate politics.

Since then, the Cop28 leader has modified his position significantly and advocated for an expedited energy transition that "phases down the use of fossil fuels."

Remaining role-

Timmermans' description of the EU's position demonstrates a similar focus on eliminating "emissions," but it sets forth more specific guidelines for the usage of CCS.

CCS.

The EU climate chief emphasized the need for a clear grasp of the function of "abated fossils" in a net-zero economy. "These must only be present in hard-to-abate regions and be residual. And the sector is responsible for proving that this is feasible and for putting out reliable investment plans for carbon-reducing technologies.

One of the key debates at the climate summit in Dubai will likely be how to define "unabated" and what role CCS should play.

Investment in energy transition minerals is celebrated by IEA as shortage concerns fade.

Timmermans "rightly shifts the focus on the need to define 'abated fossil fuels' to avoid countries hiding behind a so far little advanced pipedream of carbon capture," according to Lisa Fischer of the think tank E3G. She did, however, add that the emphasis ought to be on "phasing down the use of fossil fuels, with some clear pre-2050 milestones."

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has predicted that the consumption of coal, oil, and gas must decrease by 90%, 80%, and 70%, respectively, between 2021 and 2050 in order to reach net zero by the middle of the century.

Triple the share of renewables-

Prior to Cop28, the EU also made a significant commitment to triple the annual rate of renewable energy installations by 2030.

Kadri Simson, the energy commissioner, described the proposal as a "voluntary, non-binding pledge" that other nations may join.

The aim is determined by an IEA evaluation. Approximately 3,300 GW of renewable energy capacity are currently available worldwide, according to the organization. To have a chance of keeping global warming to 1.5C, 1,000 GW to be added annually through 2030.roughly tripling the total amount to 10,350 GW.

There should be less conflict in Dubai as a result of the renewable energy pledge. The initiative, which has gained support from the US, Chile, Colombia, and representatives of minor island states, has Sultan Al Jaber's full support.