Energy· 2021Q1
Low-cost renewable electricity as the key driver of the global energy transition towards sustainability
- 922citations
- Q1SCImago
- 2021year
Short summary
Achieving a 1.5°C compatible global energy system is technically feasible and economically viable, driven by low-cost renewable electricity and electrification across power, heat, transport, and desalination sectors.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Key points
- A 100% renewable energy system is technically and economically feasible for power, heat, transport, and desalination.
- The pathway involves rapid direct and indirect electrification via Power-to-X processes.
- This transition offers substantial benefits: 50% energy savings, universal fresh water access, and low-cost energy supply.
- The model outlines a cost-optimal global transition scenario for 145 regional energy systems.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
Climate change threats and the necessity to achieve global Sustainable Development Goals demand unprecedented economic and social shifts around the world, including a fundamental transformation of the global energy system. An energy transition is underway in most regions, predominantly in the power sector. This research highlights the technical feasibility and economic viability of 100% renewable energy systems including the power, heat, transport and desalination sectors. It presents a technology-rich, multi-sectoral, multi-regional and cost-optimal global energy transition pathway for 145 regional energy systems sectionalised into nine major regions of the world. This 1.5 °C target compatible scenario with rapid direct and indirect electrification via Power-to-X processes and massive defossilisation indicates substantial benefits: 50% energy savings, universal access to fresh water and low-cost energy supply. It also provides an energy transition pathway that could lead from the current fossil-based system to an affordable, efficient, sustainable and secure energy future for the world.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Energy, 2021 · DOI ↗
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Field: Energy Engineering and Power Technology
Energy Engineering and Power TechnologyEnergy