EU 2040 Climate Target: Contributions of the Energy Supply Sector

The European Union (EU) is legally obliged to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and has an interim target for 2030 of reducing net Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 55% compared to 1990. The European Climate Law also requires the EU to adopt a climate target for 2040.

In its Communication of 6 February 2024, the European Commission proposed a net emission reduction of 90% by 2040 compared to 1990 levels. The ESABCC (2023) recommends 90-95% net reductions. The indicated target range means that all sectors will have to contribute signifi-cant emission reductions.

This paper explores the past contribution of the energy supply sector1 to already achieved emission reductions as well as the contribution of the energy sector to the upcoming 2040 cli-mate target and what it takes to achieve the related emission reductions.