The current instability of the geopolitical context is accelerating the energy transition process. The energy market has never been as dependent on geopolitical decisions as it is now. The so-called geopolitics of energy dictates and will dictate future trends in energy consumption as well as fuel options. And this entails economic, energy security, and environmental consequences and priorities, which will materialize in a new energy future. It will not be easy, but it is inevitable that we transition towards a new energy model.
The present context makes us more aware of the current world's strong dependence on a finite supply of fossil fuels. As demand increases and supply becomes scarce, the problem becomes more acute, with economic and social consequences. A large-scale transition, away from fossil energy, poses a great challenge for society. In Catalonia, electricity demand is recovering after the pandemic. In 2021, demand was 44.66 TWh, 1.4% higher than in 2020, but still far from the 47.09 TWh of 2019, and was covered mainly by nuclear energy with 52.06%.
If the renewable energy production targets set by Catalonia for 2030 are to be met, extraordinary measures will have to be applied. For all these reasons, now more than ever, it is evident that the energy transition is necessary, and it is a reality, which must be carried out in an orderly and safe manner, yet in an accelerated way.
The energy transition will probably be one of the biggest challenges the world will face in the coming decades. Furthermore, it is likely that this transformation will be uneven and require effort from everyone, but it inevitably must be done. This transition is everyone's business and will only be a reality if we all work hand in hand, with clear objectives and guidelines.
The impacts of energy decisions are not the same for all people or all territories. Poor or marginalized societies are more likely to suffer negative consequences from energy decisions because they have reduced adaptive capacity and may lack bargaining power compared to wealthier societies. It is everyone's responsibility to contribute to making this energy transition not only sustainable but also just.
To achieve the renewable energy production targets set by Catalonia for 2030, extraordinary measures will have to be applied.One of the key points of this energy transition is energy efficiency, where there is still a long way to go today. In fact, if we look at the measures recently presented by the Spanish government, many of them involve increasing energy efficiency. Often,energy efficiency is one of the simplest, least costly, and fastest measures to implementSome will wonder if it is possible to further reduce energy consumption without affecting people's well-being. The answer is clearly yes. Energy efficiency means using less energy to do the same task, that is, eliminating energy waste without losing comfort. Being more efficient will bring us direct benefits such as the reduction of our electricity bill, while contributing to the reduction of our emissions on the planet.
From the Energy Efficiency Cluster of Catalonia, we are committed to drawing together, with all involved agents, a new scenario that allows for a more efficient, fair, and inclusive energy transition. The paradigm shift is inevitable. We do not resist. Quite the opposite: we promote and facilitate this change, because the future belongs to those who get ahead.
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