Energy systems in scenarios at net-zero CO₂ emissions

Achieving net-zero CO₂ emissions has become a global policy goal. This study examines 177 net-zero emission scenarios from the SR1.5 database to analyze common energy system features and trade-offs. Renewable energy sources, on average, constitute 60% of primary energy at net-zero, with biomass accounting for slightly less than half. Electricity comprises roughly half of final energy consumption. Residual emissions and negative emissions offsets are unevenly distributed across regions, which has implications for burden-sharing and equity.

Julianne DeAngelo, Inês Azevedo, John Bistline, Leon Clarke, Gunnar Luderer, Edward Byers, Steven J. Davis