Summary
Clean, secure and affordable energy is key to sustainable
development and the quality of life. Europe is in transition to
a more balanced development model that better respects our planet’s
capacity. All stakeholders – public authorities, businesses and
consumers – must contribute to optimising energy production, delivery
and use to achieve this goal.
Energy consumption must be decoupled from economic and demographic
growth. Energy needs must be reduced through energy efficiency.
The cleanest and most abundant energy sources – notably the renewables –
must be used more.
Strong measures must also be taken to protect public health
and the environment in any exploration or exploitation of shale
gas and oil. Research needs to be stepped up to develop cleaner
alternatives to hydraulic fracturing. Moreover, stricter safety
risk policies and long-term solutions for nuclear waste management
are necessary. Finally, the report proposes action to eradicate
energy poverty, to improve taxation, market regulation and network
co-ordination, and to promote best practice in the field of energy
technologies.
