The study at hand applies the PROMETHEUS global energy system model to explore alternative deep mitigation pathways in light of the revised carbon budgets specified in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on 1.5 °C.
The pathways assess the potential contribution of energy efficiency improvements and more rapid electrification of energy services based on renewable energy. Although these alternatives also face specific implementation challenges, they are found to significantly reduce the need for CDR and BECCS, but not fully eliminate it, and offer an effective way to diversify transition pathways to meet the Paris targets. Achieving the 1.5 °C target is technically feasible but requires immediate, ambitious, and global action, based on large-scale deployment of renewables, early retirement of fossil-based power plants, accelerated efficiency improvements, and expansion of carbon-free options in end-uses.
Read the full study here.