This study examines the net energy performance of nine global decarbonization scenarios until 2050 using a systemwide energy return on investment (EROI) model. All scenarios maintain EROI above the net energy cliff (around 10), but trends heavily depend on transition paths. EROI declines as renewable energy shares increase, especially with significant enabling technologies. Shorter transition periods lead to sharper declines, stabilizing after 100% renewables. Fossil fuel-dominated systems are most vulnerable to resource depletion.
Publisher
Nature Communications
Published On
Jan 03, 2024
Authors
Hasret Sahin, A. A. Solomon, Arman Aghahosseini, Christian Breyer
Tags
decarbonization
net energy performance
energy return on investment
renewable energy
transition paths
resource depletion
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