Global energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions can be reduced
by 70% by 2050 and completely phased-out by 2060 with a net positive
economic outlook, according to new findings released on March 20 by the
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
Launched on the occasion of the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue,
IRENA said in a press release its study presents the case that increased
deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency in G20 countries
and globally can achieve the emissions reductions needed to keep global
temperature rise to no more than two-degrees Celsius, avoiding the most
severe impacts of climate change.
“The Paris Agreement reflected an unprecedented international
determination to act on climate. The focus must be on the decarbonision
of the global energy system as it accounts for almost two-thirds of
greenhouse gas emissions,” IRENA Director-General
Adnan Z. Amin
said. “Critically, the economic case for the energy transition has
never been stronger. Today around the world, new renewable power plants
are being built that will generate electricity for less cost than
fossil-fuel power plants. And through 2050, the decarbonisation can fuel
sustainable economic growth and create more new jobs in renewables. “We
are in a good position to transform the global energy system but
success will depend on urgent action, as delays will raise the costs of
decarbonisation,” Amin added.
While overall the energy investment needed for decarbonising the
energy sector is substantial – an additional $29 trillion until 2050 –
it amounts to a small share (0.4%) of global GDP. Furthermore, IRENA’s
macroeconomic analysis suggests that such investment creates a stimulus
that, together with other pro-growth policies, will: boost global GDP by
0.8% in 2050; generate new jobs in the renewable energy sector that
would more than offset job losses in the fossil fuel industry, with
further jobs being created by energy efficiency activities, and; improve
human welfare through important additional environmental and health
benefits thanks to reduced air pollution.
Globally, 32 gigatonnes (Gt) of energy-related CO2 were emitted in
2015. The report states that emissions will need to fall continuously to
9.5 Gt by 2050 to limit warming to no more than two degrees above
pre-industrial temperatures. 90% of this energy CO2 emission reduction
can be achieved through expanding renewable energy deployment and
improving energy efficiency.
Renewable energy now accounts for 24% of global power generation and
16% of primary energy supply. To achieve decarbonisation, the report
states that, by 2050, renewables should be 80% of power generation and
65% of total primary energy supply.
The report also describes how the energy sector transition needs to
go beyond the power sector into all end-use sectors. Renewables need to
account for the majority of power generation in 2050, based on continued
rapid growth especially for solar and wind power in combination with
enabling grids and new operating practices. But also, the buildings,
industry and transport sectors need more bioenergy, solar heating and
electricity from renewable sources that substitute conventional energy.
Electric vehicles need to become the predominant car type in 2050.
Liquid biofuel production must grow ten-fold. High efficiency
all-electric buildings should become the norm. Deployment of heat pumps
must accelerate and a combined total of 2 billion buildings will need to
be new built or renovated. The report calls for policy efforts to
create an enabling framework and re-design of energy markets. Stronger
price signals and carbon pricing can help provide a level playing field
when complemented by other measures, and the report emphasises the
importance of considering needs of those without energy access.
https://www.neweurope.eu/article/global-co2-emissions-can-reduced-70-2050/