1 1 K ey Findings The study reaches the following conclusions about Europe s nonferrous metals ecosystem and its prospects for contributing to the climateneutral transition Europe s metals ecosystem a frontrunner industry in the transition to climateneutrality 1 Europe s metals ecosystem major potential to further reduce its carbon footprint with the right framework conditions 2 High levels of electrifcation shifting away from carbonintensive processes with a 58 share of electricity in the sector s overall energy use High levels of historical emissions reduction with a 61 improvement on 1990 levels High levels of circularity with around 50 of Europe s production of base metals now coming from recycled sources P otential for an 81 overall reduction in greenhouse gas emissions vs 1990 levels once indirect emissions have been eradicated in a decarbonised EU power sector 5 Theoretical potential for further reducing direct GHG emissions through the deployment of private and public support for incremental and breakthrough technologies A detailed analysis of various technologies is provided in the report Higher volumes of recycled metals being made available with a lower lifecycle CO 2 footprint compared to primary e xtraction and production 81 total GHG reduction vs 1990 in a decarbonised power system 4 50 of EU base metals production from recycling 3 58 electricity in energy mix 1 50 projected increase in secondary aluminium copper 6 61 overall GHG reduction since 1990 2 8 priority technologies for reducing remaining emissions 1 Eurostat 2018 2 EEA Eurostat 3 UNEP 2013 4 5 EEA Eurostat Assuming that indirect emissions will hence be reduced to zero and direct emissions stay at same level as in 20 15 European Aluminium 2018 OECD 2018 Historical progress 2050 potential MET ALS IN A CLIMA TE NEUTRAL EUROPE A 2050 BL UEPRINT 8