Low-cost renewable electricity as the key driver of the global energy transition towards sustainability. (15th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bogdanov, Dmitrii; Ram, Manish; Aghahosseini, Arman; Gulagi, Ashish; Oyewo, Ayobami Solomon; Child, Michael; Caldera, Upeksha; Sadovskaia, Kristina; Farfan, Javier; De Souza Noel Simas Barbosa, Larissa; Fasihi, Mahdi; Khalili, Siavash; Traber, Thure; Breyer, Christian
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 227(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-07-15
• Subjects: 100% renewable energy -- Energy transition -- Sector coupling -- Decarbonisation -- Energy system optimisation -- Power sector -- Heat sector -- Transport sector; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2021.120467
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

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. Highlights: Energy transition in power, heat and transport sectors is feasible across the world. Power sector emerges as the backbone of the entire energy system. Defossilisation and electrification result in the rise of overall system efficiency. The described energy transition scenario is compatible with the 1.5 °C target. Final energy demand grows in a cost-optimal pathway without carbon dioxide removal.