12 June 2012
IEA Outlines Technology Choices for a 2°C Temperature Increase Scenario
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The report notes that increased energy efficiency, mixed energy sources and smart infrastructure are crucial to limiting global temperature rise to 2ºC, and while the large investment to reach this will pay itself back by 2050, current progress in clean energy technologies is too slow.

IEA11 June 2012: The International Energy Agency (IEA) has published a new report titled “Energy Technology Perspectives 2012: Pathways to a Clean Energy System,” (ETP2012) which outlines technology choices for a 2ºC global temperature rise scenario, identifies barriers to clean energy technology development, and provides policy recommendations.

ETP2012 presents an overview of technology choices to achieve a scenario in which global temperature rise is limited to 2ºC, finding that the new energy systems need to be based on mixed energy sources, low-carbon electricity, smarter and more integrated infrastructure, and greater energy efficiency. The report also finds that while US$36 trillion in further investment is needed by 2050 in the 2ºC scenario, the fossil fuel savings would amount to US$100 trillion by that time.

The report further highlights that despite large potential, progress in clean energy technology is too slow, especially regarding energy efficiency technologies, carbon capture and storage (CCS), offshore wind power, and concentrated solar power (CSP), citing reduced public research and development (R&D) support as a critical factor. The role of fossil fuels must also change, the report notes, focusing on reducing the use of coal, improving the efficiency of coal-fired generation, and a continued importance of natural gas and oil. The report recommends governments set stringent clean energy targets, phase out fossil fuel subsidies, and put a price on carbon emissions.

ETP2012 builds on the IEA’s “Tracking Clean Energy Progress” report, which was issued in April 2012. [IEA Press Release] [Publication: Energy Technology Perspectives 2012 Executive Summary] [Publication: Tracking Clean Energy Progress] [IISD RS Summary of IEA Tracking Clean Energy Progress Report]

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