Getting on track
As economies and energy markets recover from the impact of the pandemic, the fundamental transition towards decarbonising energy systems, and shifting away from fossil fuels, will continue.
Reaching net-zero means rapidly accelerating the deployment of renewable energy systems to dramatically increase the use of electricity in industry, transport and buildings. This will require huge increases in electricity system flexibility, such as batteries, to ensure reliable supplies.
Energy efficiency measures, driven by investment and government policy to meet higher climate ambitions, will be required to reduce the energy intensity of the economy.
New low-emissions industries will become increasingly mainstream. Carbon capture and storage technologies will need to be applied to processes that emit carbon dioxide, such as power generation and cement production. The use of biofuels and synthetic fuels for planes and ships will lower emissions, as will greater recycling in steel, aluminium and plastics.