The Meaning of Clean Electricity

摘要

A rapid reorganization of the electricity sector is urgently needed because of growing demand for energy, the finite supply of fossil resources, the need for energy security, and pressures to reduce emissions. The immediate implementation of efficiency gains will be an important building block in limiting rapid rise in demand. Future directions must build on today's established technologies. In addition to renewables and nuclear power, CCS is another possible solution for reducing emissions in existing coal-fired power plants. A reconfiguration of the grid and the creation of improved storage methods, coupled with significantly greater investment, are necessary if this is to be achieved. The costs for restructuring the electricity system seem enormous, but they are moderate compared to the costs of climate change that would arise without such action. The costs are also relatively low compared to the foreseeable future costs of todays dominant fossil fuels.