A study conducted by the Imperial College London analyses technologies and costs
A report analysis, conducted by a cross-departmental team of scientists, engineers and economists at Imperial College London, considers the technologies required, and associated energy system costs, of limiting global energy-related CO2 emissions to about 15 Gt in 2050.
The analysis uses models representing the electricity, transport, buildings and industry sectors of each of ten world regions, employing estimates of future energy demand and feasible rates of uptake of low-carbon technologies to assess how the world’s energy system will change by 2050.
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The key findings of this study are:
- If historic trends in energy usage continue, the analysis suggests that global CO2emissions are likely to increase to around 50 Gt per year by 2050, and global fossil fuel consumption will increase by 50 per cent compared to current levels.
- It will about 1 per cent of global GDP per year by 2050, and could cost significantly less depending on the future price of fossil fuels.
- Such a transition will require a broad range of technologies across all sectors of the economy. Renewables, nuclear and carbon capture and storage play a central role in drastically decarbonising the electricity sector. The industry, buildings and transport sectors decarbonise through increased electrification, energy efficiency and bio-energy usage.
- A 30 per cent improvement in energy efficiency by end users is possible by 2050.
- Fossil fuel demand would be reduced by almost 40 per cent in 2050, compared to if no action to reduce emissions is taken.
- Every one of the ten regions studied makes a significant contribution to the overall achievement of the low-carbon transition.
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For more information please read the report by clicking at the following:
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