Moving towards low-carbon, high-efficiency energy systems, mitigating climate change, securing energy supplies, and resolving the imbalance of payments caused by energy imports, are impending problems that nations worldwide are striving hard to resolve. This paper addresses three aspects of this problem:
The paper notes that the policy choices for an energy system transformation largely relate to:
The authors argue that the energy supply system consists of separate elements that are inter-linked and complementary. Changes to most of these elements in ways that maintain their linkages and complementary relationships are required in order to establish a low carbon, high-efficiency economy. Additionally, it is argued that understanding the demands of such an energy systems transformation is crucial to addressing the connection between energy policy and growth.
This summary was prepared by Eldis.
This report asks whether and how this transformation could become an economic opportunity rather than a costly burden. Could a transformation to a low-carbon energy system induce net economic growth that can ease the transition to a low carbon economy?
This report, part of a new series by IRENA, explores how renewable energy is financed, produced, distributed and consumed, and will chart the changing relationships it is bringing about between states, corporations and individuals.