Perspectives for the energy transition: investment needs for a low-carbon energy system
Limiting the rise in global mean temperature to well below 2°C would require an energy transition of exceptional scope, depth and speed, according to an analysis by the International Energy Agency, including a doubling of annual average energy-related investments from current levels. As recent IEA estimates show, global energy-related CO2 emissions stalled for a third straight year in 2016. This was the result of growing renewable power generation, switches from coal to natural gas, improvements in energy efficiency, as well as structural changes in the global economy. But in order to achieve longer-term climate goals, emissions need to peak before 2020 and fall by more than 70% below today’s levels by 2050, according to the IEA. These findings are included in a report called “Perspectives for the Energy Transition - Investment Needs for a Low-Carbon Energy System. The analysis looks at what would be required from the energy sector to limit the global temperature rise to well below 2°C.