Electricity generation Electricity generation is one of the largest emitting sectors of greenhouse gases worldwide. Therefore it is essential to reduce the carbon intensity of the electricity mix. This can be done by shifting towards more renewable power sources, such as solar or wind energy, and by phasing out carbon-intensive power sources, such as coal. Electrification of end-uses Electrification is the cornerstone to reducing emissions across end-uses in industry, transport and buildings. Electrification leads to improved energy efficiency by replacing less efficient, fossil fuel-based technologies with electric ones such as electric vehicles or heat pumps for electric heating. Energy system transformation These graphs show the evolution of the power sector and end-use sectors in the 1.5°C scenario, broken down by fuel. Decarbonisation strategies The insights from the figures above are combined to show the change in greenhouse gas emissions in a 1.5°C scenario compared to year 2022 by decarbonisation strategy. A combination of different strategies will be required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These strategies include the generation of clean electricity, the electrification of end-uses and energy efficiency, technologies to reduce emissions in hard-to-abate sectors, and an increase in negative emissions. Labour market dynamics The energy transition will lead to increases in production in some sectors (e.g. renewable power generation) and to decreases in others (e.g. mining). As a result, there will also be changes in the number of jobs in these sectors. The figures below illustrate changes in the employment per sector for different years and scenarios. The first two figures display changes in absolute and relative employment and the third figure zooms in on employment related to renewable energy.
