{"id":263952,"date":"2023-06-26T14:30:30","date_gmt":"2023-06-26T12:30:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/climatescience.press\/?p=263952"},"modified":"2023-06-26T14:30:33","modified_gmt":"2023-06-26T12:30:33","slug":"sweden-deals-body-blow-to-eu-climate-change-agenda","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/climatescience.press\/?p=263952","title":{"rendered":"Sweden Deals Body Blow to EU Climate Change Agenda"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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From Watts Up With That?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sweden recently stirred the global climate conversation by overturning its green energy targets and\u00a0shifting its focus back to nuclear power<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson cited the need for a more \u201cstable energy system,\u201d pointing out the inherent instability in wind and solar energy sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/sustainability\/climate-energy\/swedish-parliament-passes-new-energy-target-easing-way-new-nuclear-power-2023-06-20\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Changing the target to \u201c100% fossil-free\u201d electricity, from \u201c100% renewable\u201d is key to the government\u2019s plan to meet an expected doubling of electricity demand to around 300 TwH by 2040 and reach net zero emissions by 2045.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/sustainability\/climate-energy\/swedish-parliament-passes-new-energy-target-easing-way-new-nuclear-power-2023-06-20\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

This decision provides a compelling argument against the generally perceived necessity of acting on climate change through green energy transition, bringing a much-needed reality check to the discourse around renewable energy. Despite the urgency propelled by the World Economic Forum (WEF), the United Nations, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Paris Climate Agreement, the World Bank, and the Biden administration, Sweden is demonstrating that stability and efficiency must come before ideology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unstable and inefficient technologies, particularly wind and solar power, have been endorsed and implemented with the noble goal of achieving 100% renewable energy. However, as Svantesson succinctly stated,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cThis creates the conditions for nuclear power. We need more electricity production, we need clean electricity and we need a stable energy system\u201dhttps:\/\/www.netzerowatch.com\/sweden-cancels-renewable-energy-targets-britain-should-follow\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Nuclear power, as she emphasized, creates these conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The environmental campaign group, Net Zero Watch, echoed this sentiment, stating that the Swedish decision is<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201can important step in the right direction, implicitly acknowledging the low quality of unstable wind and solar, and is part of a general collapse of confidence in the renewable energy agenda pioneered in the Nordic countries and in Germany.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/www.netzerowatch.com\/sweden-cancels-renewable-energy-targets-britain-should-follow\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Indeed, in the rush to fulfill a green agenda, the inefficiency and lack of stability in renewable energy sources have often been overlooked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is critical to note that Sweden\u2019s shift to nuclear power is not a regression, but a progression towards a \u201c100% fossil-free\u201d energy future. Nuclear power, along with hydro and biomass, is seen as an essential element of the energy mix, allowing Sweden to avoid reliance on fossil fuels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Svantesson\u2019s warning to other Western nations, currently doggedly adhering to the renewable energy agenda, is clear. Substantial industrial economies require a stable and secure energy source to remain competitive \u2013 and nuclear is key.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, the goal of significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions is called into question. Experts argue that the potential harms of this gas are uncertain and often exaggerated, while the potential benefits are overlooked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Proposals by Sweden to allow countries to\u00a0prolong subsidies<\/a>\u00a0for standby coal power plants have also been met concern in the EU, while Stockholm also wanted Brussels to\u00a0water-down<\/a>\u00a0a landmark law to restore deteriorating natural habitats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/sustainability\/climate-energy\/swedish-parliament-passes-new-energy-target-easing-way-new-nuclear-power-2023-06-20\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Dr. John Constable, Net Zero Watch\u2019s Energy Director, added an interesting perspective to the discussion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sweden cancels renewable energy targets, Britain should follow<\/a><\/blockquote>