Decarbonizing global energy systems is a cross-sector challenge spanning all sectors of the economy—from buildings to food to transportation. The transition must reduce emissions without disruption or compromising reliability, affordability, and security. Simultaneously, energy access must expand to include hundreds of millions more people.
We need faster research and faster consensus on solutions for a successful energy transition. And we need to make them economically attractive and reform regulations to attract confident investors.
Demand continues to grow
Energy use is responsible for about three-quarters of global greenhouse gas emissions. Population growth, climate change, and industrialization are expected to drive continued increases in energy demand, with the Energy Information Administration predicting 50% growth in demand by 2050 relative to 2021. The rate of deployment of new renewable energy installations is starting to keep pace with increased demand, but an accompanying long-term reduction in greenhouse gas emissions has not yet occurred.
Case study: The adoption of electric vehicles
The energy transition is a complex scientific and technological evolution that has been underway for more than half a century. To reduce carbon emissions, the transition must accelerate in the coming years. A significant challenge is the time necessary for a technological innovation to evolve from the laboratory benchtop to a commercially viable technology.
The adoption of electric vehicles is an example that demonstrates the complexity, long duration, and promise of energy innovation. Transportation is responsible for 30% of global energy use . While personal transportation—the cars we drive—is just a fraction of that, decarbonizing this sector would still be an important contribution to the clean energy transition.
Electrifying vehicles is the most viable way to reduce the use of fossil fuels for personal transportation. Since 2020 electric vehicles have increased from a 4.4% to a nearly 25% share of new passenger cars sold worldwide. Electric cars now account for more than 90% of new vehicles sold in Norway and more than 40% in China. Yet, even as electric vehicle sales have dramatically increased, it has taken more than 50 years of research, discovery, innovation, and policy-making to reach this point.
Turning ideas into impact
The MIT Energy Initiative mobilizes MIT researchers and students to advance and scale solutions needed for an affordable, equitable, and reliable energy transition.
