A new study from the Berlin Environment Ministry has shown that Mediterranean nations could significantly reduce carbon emissions by exploiting potential solar energy. The study of 26 Mediterranean power markets showed cuts of 75% are possible in carbon emissions if renewables are deployed.
With the region set to nearly treble power demand to 4,100 TWh by 2050 from the current 1,500 TWh, a largely fossil fuelled portfolio would produce some 2 billion tonnes per annum. However, by exploiting renewable energy sources, particularly solar, this figure could be reduced to 475 million tonnes pa by 2050.
The study went on to say that the countries studied collectively need $75 billion of investments to bring competitive renewables to market by 2020.