Greenpeace have brought media attention to new coal power stations which have been designed to burn Europe's deposit of lignite.
It is a move that will displease the environmentally friendly, and indeed the purse-friendly, as the plans could have catastrophic effects for the emissions target of 2020.
Lignite is also known as brown coal, and coal stations specialising in this substance account for 10% of the total CO2 emission for the EU. Greenpeace have demanded that 90% of the lignite reserve must remain untouched if Europe are to have a hope of maintaing the acceptable 2C warming limit.
Despite the warning, 19 new stations are in stages of completion, with some approved, some planned and others in construction. The sites are located in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Greece, Slovenia, Poland and Germany. Greenpeace have compiled reseach that predicts an annual CO2 output of 120m tonnes per year. At the end of the 40 year life of these stations, approximately 5bn tonnes could be emitted. The 120m tonne estimate is a shockingly high three quarters of the entire UK energy sector's emissions in 2012.
The chart above shows the estimated figures of CO2 emissions from the proposed lignite power stations alone, with a total given to the second on the right, and compared with the entire output from the UK energy sector in 2012.
Cedrec's take
The data is eye-watering when compared with the UK energy sector output. The fact is, people need to be aware of how such things affect our environment if we are to work towards maintaining a healthy world to live in. We know the dangers of CO2, from global warming to Stanford-led research that showed the undeniable link to CO2 emissions and mortality rates.
It is controversial that, with these targets and the incurring fines that they bring if missed, governments are so willing to expand an industry that is more quick-fix and problematic than invest into a more sustainable energy source.
A worrying fact on brown coal is that it has grown in popularity as a way to reduce energy prices.
Decisions have to be made, regarding the control energy suppliers have. Evidence such as this shows their influence goes well beyond whether you choose to have the heating on or wrap another blanket around you in the winter. Government must remember they are there to govern, not to enable, and should continue to pressure the energy companies to supply via sustainable renewable sources, as opposed to supplies such as lignite. They will take a hit to the pocket, but the profits of companies such as British Gas have been higher than they have a right to be. British Gas made £571 million in profit, despite the warmer weather and many customers seeking new suppliers. It seems only fair they and other companies around Europe like them take the brunt of the expense this time, rather than the public.
