In a ground breaking achievement, co-author Aljoša Slameršak, the co-founder of Policy Lab, has published an article in the esteemed journal Nature Communications. The article, titled “Energy Requirements and Carbon Emissions for a Low-Carbon Energy Transition,” delves into a critical aspect of our global journey toward sustainability.
Article Abstract:
To achieve the ambitious goals set forth in the Paris Agreement, we must undergo a substantial shift toward low-carbon energy systems. However, this transition itself poses unique challenges. Slameršak’s research sheds light on the intricate relationship between constructing, operating, and maintaining low-carbon energy systems and the energy required for these processes, much of which is currently derived from fossil fuels.
The study finds that the initial push for a low-carbon energy transition may result in a 10–34% decrease in the net energy available to society. Furthermore, it uncovers a significant concern—carbon emissions associated with the transition are substantial, ranging from 70 to 395 GtCO2 (with an average of 195 GtCO2 across scenarios). As the world strives to stay within the 1.5°C warming target, the share of carbon emissions from the energy system will surge from 10% today to 27% by 2050 and may even consume the remaining emissions available under 1.5°C pathways in some cases.
Stay tuned for further developments and discussions surrounding this groundbreaking work.
Read the full article in Nature Communications
