3 May 2011: Nobuo Tanaka, International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director, addressed European Energy Ministers at an informal meeting held in Gödöllő, Hungary, on 2-3 May 2011, focusing on the European Climate Foundation’s Roadmap 2050, which analyzes pathways to a low-carbon European economy.

Tanaka discussed the multi-sectoral task of decarbonizing Europe through energy efficiency and emissions intensity improvements, and broadening the energy mix. Noting that nuclear power currently has a very uncertain future in Europe, he warned that a potentially massive supply gap could develop, which would need to be filled by energy imports. He added that, by reducing the carbon footprint of EU energy consumption, avoided oil imports could save over US$100 billion annually. [IEA Press Release] [EU Energy Ministerial Press Release]