Net Zero Energy System
From Open Risk Manual
Definition
Net Zero Energy Systems are energy systems that produce very little or no GHG Emissions.
Characteristics
Configurations of Net Zero energy systems will vary by region but are likely to share several common characteristics [1]
- Limited and/or Targeted Use of Fossil Fuels
- Zero or Negative GHG Emissions from Electricity
- Widespread Electrification of End Uses
- Alternative Fuels in Sectors not Amenable to Electrification
- Using Less Energy and Using It More Efficiently
- Greater Reliance on Integrated Energy System Approaches
- Carbon Dioxide Removal
Issues and Challenges
- Given that the energy system is not the only source or sink of CO2 emissions a net zero energy system is not identical to a net zero economy.
- Dependence of energy system configurations on unknown future conditions like population and economic growth, and technological change.
References
- ↑ IPCC Working Group III contribution to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
