On May 18, 2021, the International Energy Agency (IEA) published its first report analyzing projected pathways for the global energy system to reach net zero emissions, titled "Net Zero by 2050: A Roadmap for the Global Energy Sector," hoping to assist countries in formulating energy-related policies. The report analyzes the actions and timelines needed to achieve carbon reduction targets, such as a ban on fossil fuel boilers by 2025 and a goal of 60% of new cars being electric by 2030. It also analyzes the impact of low-carbon technology development on various aspects, including the economy and energy sector, global natural resource extraction, and energy security. The report proposes "only one pathway, rather than the only pathway." Achieving net zero actually involves numerous uncertainties, including the degree of behavioral change and the progress of carbon capture technology. However, given current national policies and progress in carbon reduction, achieving net zero emissions is highly challenging. Global Carbon Reduction Policies and Progress: How close are current national policies to net zero emissions? In addition to discussing the path to net zero emissions, the report also analyzes two non-net zero scenarios: the Stated Polices Scenario (STEPS) and the Anounced Pledges Case (APC). The STEPS estimates future carbon emissions by considering only countries that have already legislated carbon reduction targets. As of 2021, six countries have completed net zero emissions legislation: the United Kingdom, Sweden, France, Denmark, Hungary, and New Zealand. The APC assumes that countries that have already pledged but not yet legislated will achieve their pledged targets in the future, such as the United States, the European Union, Japan, South Korea, and China. Carbon Reduction Technologies: What technologies are needed to achieve net zero? There are many ways to reduce carbon emissions, but the report specifically discusses the following seven key technologies: (1) Energy Efficiency: Improving energy efficiency can reduce energy use and directly impact emissions. Examples include improving industrial process efficiency and recovering waste heat, improving the performance of household electronics, and energy-saving buildings. (2) Behavioral Change: Changing behavior can reduce energy use or waste. For example, switching to low-carbon transportation and increasing the recycling and reuse of goods can reduce energy consumption during manufacturing. (3) Renewable Energy: Replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy can reduce carbon emissions from energy use. (4) Electrification: Reducing direct fossil fuel use and, when combined with low-carbon electricity, can reduce carbon emissions. For example, replacing gasoline-powered vehicles with electric vehicles and replacing gas water heaters with electric heating. (5) Hydrogen Energy: Can be used in applications not suitable for electrification (e.g., long-distance transportation and some industrial processes). Hydrogen can be stored in large quantities for long periods of time, making it suitable for seasonal energy storage. (6) Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage: Can reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere or capture atmospheric carbon dioxide to offset emissions from sectors that are more difficult to decarbonize, such as aviation and heavy industry. (7) Biomass Energy: Can be obtained by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (e.g., plantations and food waste) and will become a significant energy source in the future. When combined with carbon capture, utilization, and storage, it can provide negative emissions. The energy mix of the net-zero pathway (see figure below) shows that solar, wind, biomass, and nuclear energy will gradually replace coal, oil, and natural gas. What can Taiwan learn from the report? (1) Achieving net-zero emissions is feasible, but extremely challenging and requires long-term, comprehensive planning. Taiwan is currently evaluating its net-zero emissions target, with results expected before the Glasgow Climate Summit at the end of the year. (2) The pathways and timelines proposed in the report can serve as a reference for policymaking. Taiwan's carbon reduction progress significantly lags behind other advanced economies. (3) Promoting carbon reduction policies requires public support. Taiwanese people's concern and understanding of climate issues still have much room for improvement. Source: Environmental Information Center (https://e-info.org.tw/node/231489)
