(464e) Decarbonization Options: Policies and Technologies

Without major changes in energy-related policies, the world’s energy demand will grow by more than 40 % over the next two decades, and will continue to be dominated by fossil fuels. The share of coal in the global energy mix will continue to grow, leading to an increase in CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions. Projections for 2050 of those emissions would lead to temperature increases in the range of 4-7 degrees C., according to the 2007 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Assessment Report.

Options for an “energy revolution” in both the energy demand and the energy supply sectors are presented. Scenarios for the deployment of a new energy portfolio are discussed, including ones that would lead to a reduction of emissions by 50 percent in 2050. Among technologies that would mitigate emissions from the supply side, CO2 Capture and Storage (CCS) is a major emission abatement option. The cost of implementing these scenarios is given, along with the implications on the use of fossil-fuels.