The partially state-funded institute says the goal is attainable if all sectors involved in energy production and consumption join in on proposed reductions in pollution.
By 2050, the EU aims to slash CO2 emissions by 80 percent from 1990 levels.
This will require new technological solutions for industrial operations, working, housing and transport of people, goods and services, says VTT.
At least 85 percent of Finland’s electricity production could be based on zero-carbon energy generation by mid-century, it says, but adds that this will require the adoption of CO2 capture techniques. They must be applicable to both fossil fuels and biomass.
VTT forecasts that by 2050 carbon-neutral energy will account for 70-80 percent of that used for transport and 85-95 percent of energy used by buildings. In some parts of the country, buildings will become net producers of energy, the institute predicts.
VTT’s prognosis is based on the Low Carbon Finland 2050 platform, which it launched a year ago in conjunction with the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation (Tekes), the Government Institute for Economic Research (VATT), the Finnish Forest Research Institute (METLA) and the Geological Survey of Finland(GTK).