We have a long path ahead of us if the 100 % coverage of Europe’s electricity consumption from renewable energy sources is to become a reality by the year 2050. Little doubt remains that this is technically feasible, but much must be done before this vision can become reality. The technical groundwork must be laid so that the existing solar energy, wind, hydropower, biomass and thermal energy potential can be exploited, and a European electricity grid must be created so that this potential is available Europe-wide, not primarily within national borders alone, as is currently the case.
 
However, the political framework must be provided as well: an internal European market for renewable energy is necessary, and research and pilot projects must be launched. To make all this possible, a political framework is required on the European level – the European Community for Renewable Energy (ERENE).

An Alliance for ERENE

That is why we are committed to creating a European Community for Renewable Energy. We want to persuade Europe’s citizens and political decision-makers on the European level and in the EU member states that it is in the interest of all Europeans to jointly use the renewable natural resources that Europe has to offer.

We cannot do this alone, however. For this reason we aim to form an international, non-partisan alliance embracing the spheres of politics, science, NGOs and business that will bring its expertise, resources, networks and political clout to bear for ERENE – in the EU member states and on the European level.

The task of this alliance will be to bring ERENE into the public debate on the potential of renewable energy sources, and persuade the public of the opportunities which ERENE offers. Also, it must persuade political decision-makers to make the necessary decisions in the EU member states and on the EU level to ensure that Europe can cover 100% of its electricity needs from renewable energy sources.