The European Commission on Wednesday released its plan for meeting its target set out in 2009 of reducing green house gas (GHG) by 80 percent in 2050 from the level in 1990.

The plan, called "Roadmap 2050", was the result of a comprehensive study based on extensive analysis and a set of scenarios. The document also describes the consequences of a carbon free energy system and the policy framework needed.

The analysis is based on illustrative scenarios, created by combining in different ways the four main decarbonisation routes i.e. energy efficiency, renewables, nuclear and carbon capture and storage (CCS). None is likely to materialise but all scenarios clearly show a set of "no regrets" options for the coming years.

"Only a new energy model will make our system secure, competitive and sustainable in the long-run. We now have a European framework for the necessary policy measures to be taken in order to secure the right investments." Said Energy Commissioner Gunther Oettinger.