CLEVER (Collaborative Low Energy Vision for the European Region) is an innovative energy transition scenario that seeks to provide practical solutions to key challenges such as climate neutrality, energy security, and sustainability in Europe. Developed with the leadership of the négaWatt association and 26 partners across 21 European countries, the CLEVER initiative adopts a bottom-up approach, aggregating national scenarios to create a unified European vision.
Balancing efficiency and sufficiency for sustainability
CLEVER’s approach integrates energy sufficiency, efficiency, and renewable sources (SER) to meet the energy demands of the future. The sufficiency concept aims to tailor energy needs based on essential services for everyone, promoting energy use based on necessity. Efficiency improvements will reduce energy intensity, and the remaining demand will be met with a mix of energy vectors such as electricity, gas, and hydrogen. This method ensures a sustainable, fair, and innovative energy transition, while also addressing environmental concerns, including material consumption.
CLEVER’s ambitious goals for climate neutrality and energy independence
CLEVER sets ambitious targets for Europe’s future. By 2045, the continent could achieve climate neutrality, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 90% compared to 1990 levels. By 2050, Europe’s energy demand could decrease by 55% from 2019, achieving energy independence from imports. The SER approach would promote a shift to 100% renewable energy sources, without relying on nuclear or CCS technologies, with renewables making up 80% of the energy mix (and 100% for electricity) by 2040.
A disruptive proposal for European policy
Beyond environmental issues such as air pollution and biodiversity loss, CLEVER also addresses social concerns, including energy poverty and the social acceptance of the energy transition. The CLEVER model shows that an equitable, ambitious, and smooth transition is possible for Europe. The proposed goals are not only feasible but also essential for ensuring a safe and sustainable path toward the 1.5°C target. However, CLEVER’s recommendations must be integrated into EU political debates and discussed with energy stakeholders, especially in light of the 2024 European elections.
