The Contribution of Renewable Energy to a Sustainable Energy System

Abstract

This report provides an overview of the main results from the scenarios analysed in the CASCADE MINTS project to assess the role of renewables in solving global and European en-ergy and environmental issues. The main conclusion is that renewable energy can make a sub-stantial contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving diversification of the European energy production portfolio, although other technologies will also be needed in order to achieve post Kyoto targets. The report outlines the impacts, costs and benefits of ambitious renewables targets for Europe in the medium term. It also presents lessons learned from taking the global perspective.