RPG Trends

The success of the energy transition depends on a transformation of the global energy sector from fossil-based to zero-carbon sources by the second half of this century, reducing energy-related CO2 emissions to mitigate climate change and limit global temperature to within 1.5° of pre-industrial levels.

However, the decarbonisation of the energy sector requires urgent action on a global scale to accelerate the global energy transition and realise both national and regional commitments.

IRENA’s World energy transitions outlook charts an evolving pathway to achieving a climate-safe future in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement. Its 1.5°C pathway offers a roadmap for accelerating the global energy transition by positioning electrification and efficiency as key drivers of change, backed by renewables, hydrogen and sustainable biomass. (source from: https://infogram.com/figure-3-1hdw2jpvkr3gp2l )

Electricity is central to many parts of life in modern societies and will become even more so as its role in transport and heating expands through technologies such as electric vehicles and heat pumps.

Power generation is currently the largest source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions globally, but it is also the sector that is leading the transition to net zero emissions through the rapid ramping up of renewables such as solar and wind. At the same time, the current global energy crisis has placed electricity security and affordability high on the political agenda in many countries. (source from: https://www.iea.org/reports/electricity-market-report-2023)

Renewables share of power generation in the Net Zero Scenario, 2010-2030

Last updated 22 Sep 2022

IEA (2022), Renewables share of power generation in the Net Zero Scenario, 2010-2030, IEA, Paris https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/charts/renewables-share-of-power-generation-in-the-net-zero-scenario-2010-2030, Licence: CC BY 4.0

Renewable power generation by technology in the Net Zero Scenario, 2010-2030