COP26 – Fusion: abundant, safe and sustainable energy for the future

Fighting climate change and achieving a clean energy transition is one of the biggest challenges of the 21^st century. The world is following closely the deliberations at the 26^th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), taking place in Glasgow from 31 October to 12 November 2021. The COP26 summit is bringing the world leaders together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

COP26 represents the last opportunity for some decisive action to fight climate change: countries are being asked to come forward with ambitious emissions reductions targets to reach net zero by the middle of the century, and to adopt measures to protect communities and natural habitats already affected by climate change. To deliver on these goals, developed countries must make good on their promise to mobilise at least $100bn in climate finance per year. The world can only rise to the challenges of the climate crisis by working together.

The European Union’s strategy for green, sustainable growth – the “European Green Deal” – aims at cutting CO₂ emissions by at least 55% by 2030, and achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Energy accounts for more than 75% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions. Decarbonising the EU’s energy system is therefore essential to meet these objectives.  Fusion can play an important role in designing the sustainable energy mix of the future. While it is a longer-term solution, it fits perfectly with the overall objective of reaching zero carbon emissions.  It has the potential to complement clean energy sources by providing a steady supply of “baseload” electricity when needed, i.e. at times when the less steady renewable sources are low in supply.

In an article in the key COP26 publication, alongside the main world leaders, Johannes Schwemmer, Director of Fusion for Energy, advocates fusion as an abundant, safe and sustainable energy for the future as Europe is leading the fight against climate change.

Click here to read the advocacy and here to go to the e-version of the publication.