Energy transition

An energy transition (or energy system transformation) is a significant structural change in an energy system regarding supply and consumption. Currently, a transition to sustainable energy (mostly renewable energy) is underway to limit climate change. It is also called renewable energy transition. The current transition is driven by a recognition that global greenhouse-gas emissions must be drastically reduced. This process involves phasing-down fossil fuels and re-developing whole systems to operate on low carbon electricity.[1] A previous energy transition took place during the industrial revolution and involved an energy transition from wood and other biomass to coal, followed by oil and most recently natural gas.[2][3]

As of 2019, 85% of the world's energy needs are met by burning fossil fuels.[4]^: 46 Energy production and consumption are responsible for 76% of annual human-caused greenhouse gas emissions as of 2018.[5][6] To meet the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change, emissions must be reduced as soon as possible and reach net-zero by mid-century.[7] Since the late 2010s, the renewable energy transition is also driven by the rapidly increasing competitiveness of both solar and wind power.[8] Another motivation for the transition is to limit other environmental impacts of the energy industry.[9]

The renewable energy transition includes a shift from internal combustion engine powered vehicles to more public transport, reduced air travel and electric vehicles.[10] Building heating is being electrified, with heat pumps as the most efficient technology by far.[11] For electrical grid scale flexibility, energy storage and super grids are vital to allow for variable, weather-dependent technologies.[12]