Future of oilBRUSSELS - Environmental campaigners Greenpeace and the European Renewable Energy Council say almost all the European Union's energy could come from renewable sources by 2050.
They say a Thursday study they commissioned from the German Aerospace Center shows that the 27-nation bloc could realistically eliminate coal and nuclear power and rely on sources such as wind, solar, geothermal and biomass energy.
The study says about 92 percent of all EU energy use — and 97 percent of electricity — could come from renewable sources. The remaining 8 percent would be oil used for shipping and aviation where few alternatives are available.
Such a massive switch would cut the region's greenhouse gas emissions by 95 percent. The groups also claim it would save European economies up to euro19 billion ($24.05 billion) a year on importing costly oil and gas.