Global energy sustainability will require systemwide transformation, according to long-term vision laid out in a new paper co-authored by energy scholars from five countries, including Dan Kammen, a professor in both the UC Berkeley Energy and Resources Group and the Goldman School of Public Policy.
The energy system is currently facing a number of challenges, most notably high consumption levels, lack of energy access, environmental concerns like climate change and air pollution, energy security concerns and the need for a long-term focus, the authors say. Addressing these critical issues simultaneously will require a fundamental transformation of the global energy system.
Recent assessments show that such transformation is achievable in technological and economic terms, but constitute formidable governance challenges. The key components of a successful transformation include taking an integrated approach as basis, the focus on high levels of energy efficiency and the scale up of investments, also in research, development, and demonstration.
Read the study.
