Techno-economic analysis for the energy transition of the EU fisheries and aquaculture sector

A Sustainable Blue Economy offers many solutions to achieve the European Green Deal objectives. However, this requires current activities, technologies and processes to reduce their carbon footprint. In response, the European Commission adopted a package of measures in February 2023 including most importantly for this study the Communication on the Energy Transition of the EU Fisheries and Aquaculture sector. The package proposes a series of actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve carbon climate neutrality by 2050. This study maps out low-carbon energy innovations and efficiency solutions; analyses current energy use; associated CO2e emissions; the cost to reduce them; and the viability of decarbonisation technologies. It identifies potential solutions for the fisheries and aquaculture sector, assesses their financial viability and provides recommendations for overcoming barriers to implementation. The specificities of fisheries and aquaculture are addressed separately, with recommendations for the two provided accordingly. Potential synergies for the energy transition within the sectors, are also identified.