Decarbonisation of Electricity Generation: Efforts and Challenges

Abstract

In satisfying the perpetually increasing energy demand, utility companies have traditionally depended on fossil-based energy sources (natural gas, oil and coal). These fuels are carbon-intensive, and burning them has negative implications on both human health and environment. However, in order to make sure that the global temperature rise is kept below 2 °C based on the Paris Agreement, it is essential that the electricity generation industry is subjected to transformation through the process of decarbonisation. Renewable energy sources have the tendency to mitigate the negative effects of the conventionally powered power plant. The move to renewable sources motivated the start of the process of decarbonisation—reducing the carbon intensity of the electricity generation. Furthermore, the adoption of demand-side management, carbon capture and storage, clean coal technologies, decommissioning of ageing fossil fuel-powered plants (replacing it with renewable energy-based plants), nuclear energy and adoption of stringent low-carbon policies can also aid decarbonisation of the power system sector. This work presents the trends and challenges in the decarbonisation of the power generation. This will help in achieving an all-encompassing strategy for the attainment of green economy. It is predicted that in order to maintain 2 °C temperature rise by 2050, the following technologies will contribute to emission reduction: carbon capture and storage 19%, fuel switching and efficiency 1%, hydro 3%, nuclear 13%, solar photovoltaic 9%, concentrated solar power 7%, wind onshore 9%, wind offshore 3%, biomass 4%, electricity saving 29% and other renewables 3%. It is clear that there is no singular approach that can entirely be used for the decarbonisation of the grid. An integrated approach that accommodates various policies and decarbonisation technologies will enhance low-carbon electricity generation.