Transition to low- and zero-carbon energy and fuels

Abstract

Switching from high-carbon to low- and zero-carbon energy sources and fuels is considered Holy Grail of the decarbonization policy. The evolutionary model of the substitution of primary energy sources predicts that methane followed by hydrogen will take over the energy market during the current century. The interplay of three energy systems based on methane, electricity, and hydrogen (dubbed Decarbonization Triangle) can greatly facilitate and expand the decarbonization of global economy. Many challenges hindering the expansion of intermittent renewable energy sources (solar and wind) could potentially be addressed by means of interconnected electricity, methane, and hydrogen grids that form a large integrated low-carbon energy network. Due to the complimentary and synergistic nature of the basic elements of the networks, in combination, they can provide more energy services per unit of primary energy with associated economic and environmental benefits. The main strategies and pathways to transitioning to low-to-zero carbon energy systems and the prerequisites for building Methane and Hydrogen Economies are analyzed in this chapter.