Sustainability Language

Energy & climate technology

Energy transition

The structural shift of the global energy system from fossil-based production and consumption to low- and zero-carbon sources.

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Definition

The energy transition is the ongoing transformation of the energy system away from fossil fuels toward renewable and other zero-carbon energy sources, electrified end uses and much higher efficiency, framed by IRENA as a shift of global energy use from fossil-based sources to a zero-carbon system by mid-century in line with limiting warming to 1.5°C.

References

Overview

What it means

The transition spans supply (renewables, grids, storage), demand (electrification of transport, heat and industry; efficiency) and institutions (markets, finance, workforce). It is the main lever for cutting energy-related CO2 — the largest share of global emissions — and is tracked through scenario work by IEA, IRENA and IPCC.

How it is used

Used in national strategies, investment frameworks (transition finance), corporate transition plans and just-transition policy for workers and regions dependent on fossil fuels.

Why it matters

It is the organising frame for most climate, energy and industrial policy this decade, and for assessing transition risk and opportunity across the economy.

Review

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