Sustainable Development as a Cornerstone of a Future Energy System

Abstract

The transformation of the energy system is a pre-requisite for climate change mitigation. Access to clean, affordable energy is a fundamental requirement for sustainable development. On the one hand, distributional effects of climate policy at state and regional level are the subject of scientific debate, as associated higher energy prices may increase inequity and hamper development in developing countries. On the other hand, a low-carbon energy system holds the potential to deliver multiple co-benefits in the areas of health, environmental integrity and energy security. However, the impacts of a transitional energy system on the various goals of sustainable development have not been sufficiently addressed in existing research.