This chapter focuses on the complexities, challenges, and opportunities in the world of energy consumption and production within the European Union. Renewable energy will play a pivotal role in the decarbonization of energy systems in the coming decades: the EU recognizes the existential threat posed by climate change and environmental degradation. To combat this, it aims to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. The European Green Deal sets ambitious targets for economic growth decoupled from resource use and no net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050.
