Electricity

landscape photography of transmission tower

The power sector has a significant role to play in the future decarbonisation. In fact, electricity consumption accounts for about 30% to 50% of final energy consumption in most countries [1]. This share is expected to increase as electrification of end-uses of energy is a cornerstone of overall decarbonisation. As electrification proceeds, it is crucial to simultaneously decarbonise electricity supply, with renewable electricity systems based on wind and solar energy already making significant advances.

In order to meet the binding environmental targets on a global scale, the power system has to face a challenging technological transition [2]. The role of fossil fuels in the power sector is in question, and low-cost technologies capable of capturing and storing close to 100% of CO2 produced are required. The increasing share of variable renewable energy, market liberalization, and the advances on power storage, all together make the power system planning and operation more complex.

Read the complete Power Sector Module Non-Technical Overview

References

[1] IEA World Energy Statistics and Balances. International Energy Agency, 2016.
[2] Electricity Information. International Energy Agency, 2015.

Refineries and Processing

factories with smoke under cloudy sky

As it provides fuels and petrochemicals for every sector of the economy, the refinery sector presents extremely complex interactions across the whole energy system. Refineries are one of the world’s most energy-intensive industries [1]. Worldwide, petroleum and other liquid fuels are the dominant source of transportation energy with a share of 96% in 2012 where a further growth of the world transportation sector liquid fuels consumption is expected [2].

The increasing need for fuels and petrochemicals as well as stricter GHG emissions cuts, urge this sector to a dramatic technological change and innovation. The refining industry needs to keep pace with the increasing demand through new investments. Alongside this, stricter limits to GHG emissions as well as energy security concerns are calling for technological innovation in the production of fuels and chemicals from renewable sources through advanced biorefineries [1].

Read the complete Biorefinery and Refinery Sector Module Non-Technical Overview

References

[1] IEA World Energy Statistics and Balances. International Energy Agency, 2016.
[2] IEA International Energy outlook 2016. International Energy Agency, 2016