(ANSA) - ROME - The use of renewables for electricity, heating/cooling and transport is reducing the ghg emissions in Europe, according to a survey conducted by the Joint Research Centre of the EC. Recent figures show that in 2012, thanks to clean energy, 716 million tonnes of CO2 have been saved, compared to 529 million tonnes in 2009.

This survey, published a few months ahead of the UN climate change conference in Paris this December, shows that about two thirds of the emissions saved in 2012 are due to the development of renewables in Germany (144.5 million tonnes), Sweden (98 million tonnes), France (82.4 million tons), Italy (70.94 million tonnes) and Spain (56.86 million tons). Between 2009 and 2012, Italy proved to be the best country in the EU for renewable energy consumption, and in the same period it came fourth for the increase in emission cuts. (ANSA).