RIFS – Assessing Zero-Emissions Energy Transitions: A Systemic View

The Paris Agreement requires a complete transition to zero-carbon energy systems, not just reductions in emissions. This involves a systemic reconfiguration of the entire energy system, aiming for full decarbonization. Current assessments of progress in energy transitions often focus solely on emission reductions, which may not reflect the necessary systemic changes. To address this, a comprehensive analytical framework is needed to track sector-level progress towards zero emissions. This study aims to develop such a framework by focusing on three key dimensions of energy transitions: technologies, infrastructure, and institutions. By applying this framework to selected countries and sectors, including electricity, road transport, and heating, the study seeks to empirically assess progress in achieving zero emissions. The approach is theory-led, ensuring non-arbitrary indicator selection and enhancing result interpretability, with a focus on critical areas of change in the energy transition process.