Introduction

The transmission of electricity sector is one of the largest sources of carbon emissions globally. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the sector accounted for 42% of global energy-related CO2 emissions in 2019. Decarbonisation in the transmission of electricity sector is therefore crucial in achieving the global climate goals of limiting global warming to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. This article discusses the importance of decarbonisation in the transmission of electricity sector, the main sources of carbon emissions, ways to reduce carbon emissions, challenges facing decarbonisation, and the implications of decarbonisation for the sector.

What is Decarbonisation in the Transmission of Electricity Sector and Why is it Important?

Decarbonisation in the transmission of electricity sector refers to the reduction or elimination of carbon emissions associated with the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. It involves transitioning from fossil fuel-based electricity generation to low-carbon or zero-carbon sources such as renewable energy sources (e.g., solar, wind, hydro, geothermal) and nuclear energy. Decarbonisation is important for several reasons.

First, it is necessary to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The transmission of electricity sector is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, which are the primary cause of climate change. Decarbonising the sector is therefore crucial in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global warming.

Second, decarbonisation can improve air quality and public health. Fossil fuel-based electricity generation is a significant source of air pollution, which can have adverse health effects such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Switching to low-carbon or zero-carbon sources can reduce air pollution and improve public health.

Third, decarbonisation can create economic opportunities. The transition to a low-carbon economy can create new jobs in renewable energy industries and related sectors. It can also reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports and increase energy security.

Main Sources of Carbon Emissions in the Transmission of Electricity Sector

The main sources of carbon emissions in the transmission of electricity sector are electricity generation, transmission, and distribution. Electricity generation is the largest contributor to carbon emissions in the sector, accounting for approximately 70% of total emissions. The primary sources of electricity generation emissions are fossil fuel-based power plants such as coal, natural gas, and oil-fired power plants. These power plants emit carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (e.g., methane, nitrous oxide) during the combustion of fossil fuels.

Transmission and distribution of electricity also contribute to carbon emissions, although to a lesser extent than electricity generation. Transmission and distribution losses occur when electricity is transported over long distances through power lines, resulting in energy losses and carbon emissions. Other sources of carbon emissions in the transmission of electricity sector include the production and transportation of materials and equipment used in the sector (e.g., steel, copper, transformers).

Ways to Reduce Carbon Emissions in the Transmission of Electricity Sector

There are several ways to reduce carbon emissions in the transmission of electricity sector. These include:

1. Increasing the share of renewable energy sources in electricity generation. Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal are low-carbon or zero-carbon sources of electricity generation. Increasing their share in the electricity mix can reduce carbon emissions.
2. Improving energy efficiency in electricity generation, transmission, and distribution. Energy efficiency measures such as upgrading power plants, reducing transmission and distribution losses, and using energy-efficient equipment can reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.
3. Investing in energy storage technologies. Energy storage technologies such as batteries, pumped hydro, and thermal storage can help integrate intermittent renewable energy sources into the electricity grid and reduce the need for fossil fuel-based peaking power plants.
4. Electrifying transportation and heating. Electrifying transportation and heating can reduce the demand for fossil fuels and therefore reduce carbon emissions in the electricity sector.
5. Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). CCUS technologies can capture carbon emissions from fossil fuel-based power plants and store them underground or use them for industrial processes. CCUS can help reduce carbon emissions in the short term while the transition to renewable energy sources is ongoing.

Challenges Facing Decarbonisation in the Transmission of Electricity Sector

Decarbonisation in the transmission of electricity sector faces several challenges. These include:

1. High costs. The transition to renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures can require significant upfront investments, which can be a barrier to adoption.
2. Intermittency. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind are intermittent, meaning that their output can vary depending on weather conditions. This can make it challenging to integrate them into the electricity grid and ensure grid stability.
3. Grid infrastructure. The transition to renewable energy sources requires significant upgrades to the electricity grid infrastructure to accommodate the increased share of intermittent sources. This can be a challenge in areas with limited grid infrastructure.
4. Policy and regulatory barriers. Policies and regulations that favor fossil fuel-based electricity generation can hinder the adoption of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures.
5. Public perception. Some members of the public may be resistant to the adoption of renewable energy sources due to concerns about visual impacts, noise, and other factors.

Implications of Decarbonisation for the Transmission of Electricity Sector

Decarbonisation in the transmission of electricity sector has several implications for the sector. These include:

1. Changes in the electricity generation mix. The transition to renewable energy sources will require significant changes in the electricity generation mix, with a reduced share of fossil fuel-based power plants and an increased share of renewable energy sources.
2. Changes in grid infrastructure. The transition to renewable energy sources will require significant upgrades to the electricity grid infrastructure to accommodate the increased share of intermittent sources and ensure grid stability.
3. Changes in business models. The transition to renewable energy sources may require changes in the business models of electricity companies, with a shift from centralized fossil fuel-based power plants to decentralized renewable energy sources.
4. Changes in energy storage technologies. The transition to renewable energy sources will require significant investments in energy storage technologies to integrate intermittent sources into the electricity grid and reduce the need for fossil fuel-based peaking power plants.
5. Economic opportunities. The transition to a low-carbon economy can create new jobs in renewable energy industries and related sectors.

Conclusion

Decarbonisation in the transmission of electricity sector is crucial in achieving global climate goals, improving air quality and public health, and creating economic opportunities. The main sources of carbon emissions in the sector are electricity generation, transmission, and distribution. Ways to reduce carbon emissions include increasing the share of renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, investing in energy storage technologies, electrifying transportation and heating, and using CCUS technologies. Decarbonisation faces challenges such as high costs, intermittency, grid infrastructure, policy and regulatory barriers, and public perception. The implications of decarbonisation for the sector include changes in the electricity generation mix, grid infrastructure, business models, energy storage technologies, and economic opportunities.