Action Plan: New Energy for Europe June 2012

An initiative of

The Young Ideas for Europe Action Plan 2012 We, the Young Ideas for Europe participants, demand action on the future of energy and climate protection in Europe. With the scarcity of energy resources and the dangers of energy use to nature in mind, it is clear that Europe needs a new energy paradigm. As youngsters from across Europe, we are key stakeholders in the decisions on energy and climate protection. We will be the people directly affected in future by the decisions made today and we ask ourselves: Could Europe do better? This European Action Plan 2012 was drawn up through Young Ideas for Europe project weeks held across Europe. During the project weeks, we spoke with experts and debated with politicians the ideas we had developed on energy supply, CO2 reductions and energy consumption. We are delivering these ideas – the ideas of Europe’s youngsters – to key decision-makers who have the ability to take on our proposals and to give us a voice in issues of European policy.

A. Energy Supply A resolute decision on how we want to transform the European energy sector towards greater sustainability is urgently required. This is particularly true if issues such as the environmental impact of our energy use as well as safety concerns and possible disadvantageous economic decisions are borne in mind. Power generation and supply are a key element of economic prosperity and quality of life, and play a central role in the fight against global climate change. When it comes to energy, we expect responsible decisions from all actors within the political system of Europe and the EU. Objectives 1.

Guarantee Energy Security with a Diversified Energy Mix: Energy supply should be made up of a mix of different energy sources, providing a stable energy supply without risking energy shortages. The mixture should guarantee secure and stable prices for consumers. By 2080, any technology that harms the environment should be banned.

2.

Promote the use of Renewable Energy: Renewable energies are an indispensable step towards a more sustainable Europe. Future energy policies must take this into account and promote the production of energy through wind, water and sun. The aim should

be to increase to 50% the proportion of renewables in the EU energy mix. 3.

Nuclear Energy: Nuclear power should be phased out in Europe should by 2050 for existing power plants, and by 2080 for those that are under construction right now. Furthermore, from 2015 onwards, no new nuclear plants shall be built. To reach this objective it is important to find (and do research into finding) energy sources that can adequately replace nuclear power as soon as possible. To bridge the time between today and the final phase-out of nuclear power, we need to invest in safety measures for existing nuclear installations.

4.

Provide Research & Development Opportunities: Research and development in the field of technologies – especially renewable energies – should be promoted. Higher R&D investment will fully pay off later, since – in the long run – it will help the economy to grow and will increase Europe’s energy independence from external energy suppliers. Research should be open in its results, and through a diversification of research programmes it is possible for eco-friendly solutions to be created which will give consumers the option to choose between various alternatives.

5.

Build a common European Energy Market Framework: A common energy policy for all EU countries should be established, taking into consideration the European and international energy market. We believe that a “green economy” will be an important market for the future and that EU countries can serve as an inspirational role-model to others countries worldwide. Therefore the EU must take on a leadership role and step forward in unity with a clear message.

Measures 1.

EU money should flow into research projects that deal with questions of energy supply, security, efficiency and technologies. A first step could be the creation of “high-tech valleys” – regions which would only be supplied by alternative energies rather than fossil fuels, and where research is located and focussed.

2.

The exchange of engineering specialists between European universities should be initiated, supporting not only bilateral university and business relations on a national level, but at the EU level as well.

3.

Establish a European programme to support citizens and companies in investing in photovoltaic solar panels. A special focus of this programme should be the establishment of a fund that supports

schools and educational institutions to change their energy supply systems with the help of solar energy plants. 4.

Support local energy initiatives with funding and guidelines for communities. Such local initiatives would therefore be able to create a sustainable society within their surroundings through a collective effort by European citizens. Funding for green energy initiatives like “living roofs” or the idea of mass compost heaps in communities are proof of the power of cooperation at the local level.

5.

Reduce bureaucratic barriers that hinder a positive and sustainable development, and provide easy access to funds and micro-loans for energy producers.

6.

Expand the EU electricity grid and enhance its compatibility so that the European energy market can grow together. In this context the EU should strengthen the cooperation within but also the cooperation with other countries on the European continent, which are not part of the EU. Through such measures Europe can take on the role of a strong actor in the international market.

7.

Increase the sanctions for member states that have not yet implemented the Third Energy Package and take measures to strengthen smart grid Projects. Take effective measures to ensure that by 2020 there won’t be any “energy islands” such as the Baltic states.

B. CO2 Emissions Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas and as such a critical cause of global warming. For this reason it is important to radically reduce CO2 emissions as soon as possible. Promising ways in which to do this include reforms in economic and fiscal policy as well as investments in the mobility/public transport sector. We demand new environmental legislation so that the EU becomes a global role-model in the reduction of CO2 emissions and in the promotion of alternatives to fossil fuels. Objectives 1.

Reduce Greenhouse Gases: The motivation to reduce CO2 emission needs to remain strong – both for European citizens as individuals, and in the institutions, policies and decisions of the EU. Solutions need to take into account the complexity of the matter and need to involve all European stakeholders to guarantee a sustainable and equitable development.

2.

Find Alternatives to Fossil Fuels: With the economic performance of the European Union in mind, the EU should engage more actively in policies that attract alternative energy sources, jobs etc. to the EU market and thereby provide alternatives to energy sources from fossil fuels. Furthermore emphasis should be placed on a diversification of energy suppliers to spread the risk and help ensure price stability.

3.

Develop a Sustainable Economic and Fiscal Policy: The EU should use its economic policy and its coordinating role between the member states to foster a policy framework that promotes sustainable development. Such a framework should also secure the ecological future and environmental protection for Europe, and take both producers/business as well as consumers into account.

4.

Promote the EU as a Role Model: The EU has built up a strong reputation as an actor for progress in climate protection. Building on this role, the EU should promote trade in technologies and resources – selling green technologies and consequently promoting greener industries in the BRIC countries or the US. Nevertheless, it is also important for Europe’s development and transition that reasonable prices are secured, which can be done with the help of other countries, e.g. the BRIC countries.

5.

Reforming the (Public) Transport and Mobility Sectors: The EU needs to promote new means of transport and new ways of moving around. These new mobility strategies also need to offer solutions to the environmental challenges being faced.

6.

Improve Waste Management: Strategic approaches need to be developed to curb the environmental impacts of waste. A comprehensive waste management strategy, including reduction, reuse, recycling and energy recovery should be implemented. This strategy should also offer a framework that tackles the problem of corruption in waste management.

Measures 1.

Indicate the amount of CO2 that was produced in the production and transport of every product, and enable consumers to become aware of their CO2 footprint. A possible measure to reach more awareness could be a reduced sales tax on CO2 friendly products or to offer a reduced tax on local products, so CO2 through transportation of products is decreased.

2.

Provide funding for societal education on the dangers of climate change and on the opportunities, benefits and possibilities for individuals to take action now. The educational campaign should

especially include advertisements on TV, since this reaches the biggest target group 3.

Raise awareness about expendable and unnecessary travel, supporting citizens and institutions in opting for lower-carbon alternatives. Here the EU institutions could lead by good example, choosing to have only one seat for the European Parliament and organising more web-conferences etc.

4.

To secure the funding for the various programmes and measures introduced in this action plan, a tax on EU member states could be implemented, based on the CO2 produced per capita. This would also prove a motivation to reduce CO2 levels.

5.

New, energy efficient and climate friendly means of transport and new forms of mobility, like bike sharing and car sharing, should be promoted. The EU should also support member states and other stakeholders in encouraging the use of public and mass transport, so that car traffic can be decreased.

6.

Organise effective public information campaigns on waste sorting, e.g. by making 2014 the “European Year of Environmental Protection”.

7.

Create incentives that reduce the use of plastic, polystyrene, plastic bags and similar materials in favour of reusable bags made of sustainable fabric or biodegradable materials, and ban all gadgets containing aerosol gasses and CFCs as well as other harmful chemicals.

8.

Support a consumer-friendly market, so that consumer prices remain affordable. This can be achieved by further developing the market, including increasing competition, market integration and price transparency.

C. Energy Consumption Europe has enormous energy needs: We consume energy with every step we take! In order to mitigate global warming and guarantee security of supply for Europe, we have to drastically reduce our consumption of fossil fuels within the next years. Improving the energy performance and reducing energy consumption is a crucial way in which to fight climate change and to increase energy security. At the same time it also offers a great opportunity to create jobs. But this is not enough: We, the youngsters of Europe, demand a re-think of our current lifestyles and consumption habits. For that reason we need greater investment in environmental education.

Objectives 1.

Transform Citizens’ Energy Use: Aim to raise awareness about nature conservation and energy saving through efficient and widespread environmental education.

2.

Stop the Inefficient Use of Energy: The European Union has to introduce more stringent measures and stricter regulation to promote the efficient use of energy in businesses and European households. A focal point for this should be research into energy efficiency gains made possible through improved and more efficient energy storage.

Measures 1.

Reward all energy consumers that actively save energy with lower tax rates.

2.

To educate consumers to be as energy conscious as possible we need to establish training programmes on how to save energy, and encourage people to be more aware of their energy footprint. Public information strategies on the daily use of energy, and a constant flow of information should be established – or, if already in existence, improved – so they reach as many citizens as possible. The establishment of so-called “energy accounts” that show people their individual energy consumption could be one instrument to raise the consumer awareness.

3.

Support the wide-spread installation of LED lighting, the electro mobility industry and the production of energy efficient products and information gadgets. This could be done by promoting research in fields such as solar-powered mobile phones and similar technologies.

4.

Create a tax to promote improvements in the energy performance of buildings in Europe. Buildings that are newly constructed but only reach a B or less on the Building Energy Performance labelling scale should pay an extra charge.

In Conclusion In less than ten years we, the youth of Europe, will become the foundation on which the social and economic welfare of Europe will rest. Therefore it is fundamentally important to us to already now start shaping the future of Europe with our ideas. We – Europe’s youngsters – will be the people directly affected in future by the decisions taken today and so we ask Europe’s decision-makers to take on these proposals and give us a voice in shaping our common future. As adopted January 2011 - May 2012 by Young Ideas for Europe participating schools:

Abtei Gymnasium

Duisburg/Germany

Albertus-Magnus-Schule Viernheim

Viernheim/Germany

Athénée Léonie de Wah

Liège/Belgium

Berufschulzentrum Stockach

Stockach/Germany

BHAK Schumpeter

Wien/Austria

Dobri Voinikov Secondary School

Sofia/Bulgaria

Escola Secundária Ibn Mucana

Alcabideche/Portugal

Europaschule Gymnasium Hamm

Hamburg/Germany

Goethe-Gymnasium

Bensheim/Germany

Gymnázium Jura Hronca

Bratislava/Slovakia

Gymnázium Nad Alejí

Prague/Czech Republic

Hauptschule Altdorf

Nürnberg/Germany

Hornsey Sixth Form College

London/United Kingdom

I.E.S.O. Emérita Augusta

Mérida/Spain

Ikšķile Highschool

Ikšķiles/Latvia

Iuliu Maniu Technical College

Bucharest/Romania

Kozgazdasagi Politechnikum Gimnazium es

Budapest/Hungary

Szakkozepiskola Liceo Peano

Rome/Italy

Lornsenschule

Schleswig/Germany

Lycée Ampère

Vendôme/France

Olarin Lukio

Espoo/Finland

Oskar Lutsu Palamuse Gümnaasium

Jõgevamaa/Estonia

Ostschule - Europaschule Gera

Gera/Germany

Rejsby Europæiske Efterskole

Rejsby/Denmark

Rudolf-Diesel-Schule

Erfurt/Germany

Schadow Gymnasium

Berlin/Germany

Secondary School of Multimedia and Graphic

Ljubljana/Slovenia

Technology Spyken Upper Secondary School

Lund/Sweden

Staatliche Rötlein-Regelschule

Zeulenroda-Triebes/Germany

Städtisches Gymnasium Heißen

Mülheim an der Ruhr/Germany

St. Paul’s CBS

Dublin/Ireland

Vilniaus Mikalojaus Dauksos vidurine mokykla

Vilnius/Lithuania

Wilhelm-Focke-Oberschule

Bremen/Germany

XLIX Liceum Ogólnoksztalcąceim Johanna

Warsaw/Poland

Wolfganga Goethego Zandvliet College

The Hague/Netherlands

3rd General Lyceum of Ptolemaida

Ptolemaida/Greece

About the Project Young ideas for Europe is an initiative of the Robert Bosch Stiftung. For more information on Young Ideas for Europe please visit: www.young-ideas-for-europe.eu

Contact: Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH Ms. Mona Hinz Programme Officer International Relations Western Europe, America, Turkey, Japan, India Heidehofstr. 31 70184 Stuttgart Telephone: +49.711. 460 84-148 Telefax +49.711.46084-10975 E-mail: [email protected]

Young Ideas for Europe Ms. Franziska Seel Project Coordination IFOK GmbH Reinhardtstraße 58 10117 Berlin Telephone: +49.30.536077-61 Telefax +49.30.536077-20 E-mail: [email protected]