System-level effects of increased energy efficiency in global low-carbon scenarios: A model comparison

Supporting investments in energy efficiency is considered a robust strategy to achieve a successful transition to low-carbon energy systems in line with the Paris Agreement. Increased energy efficiency levels are expected to reduce the need for supply-side investments in controversial technologies, such as carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS...

Heart of light an assessment of enhanced electricity access in Africa

A large part of the population in many African countries lacks access to electricity, in contrast to the ambition of reaching universal energy access as expressed in the Sustainable Development Goals. Off-grid electricity technologies have been proposed as an important means to solve this challenge. It is uncertain, however, at what rate these...

Energy system developments and investments in the decisive decade for the Paris Agreement goals

The Paris Agreement does not only stipulate to limit the global average temperature increase to well below 2 ◦C, it also calls for ‘making finance flows consistent with a pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions’. Consequently, there is an urgent need to understand the implications of climate targets for energy systems and quantify the...

When the Background Matters Using Scenarios from Integrated Assessment Models in Prospective Life Cycle Assessment