Decarbonisation: The Path to a Carbon-Free Economy

Decarbonisation is necessary for industry and business to pave and strengthen the way for a carbon neutral Europe by 2050, as agreed under the EU's Green Deal. But what is behind the term decarbonisation? UEC Energy clarifies its meaning and corresponding measures.

Definition: What is decarbonisation?

The term decarbonisation refers to the shift away from carbon and thus the scenario of a post-fossil, carbon-free economy, especially in the energy or power sector. It is the fundamental process of removing or reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) output from a country's economy.

How does decarbonisation work?

Decarbonisation works when the use of low-carbon energy is prioritised, and the use of fossil fuels is also minimised. Against the backdrop of timing, energy-intensive sectors must therefore quickly switch to climate-neutral energy sources.

The decarbonisation strategy addresses emissions reduction in addition to the circular economy and emissions trading, ensuring a holistic approach to environmental sustainability.

Decarbonisation in Industry and the Economy

Until now, the UK economy has drawn energy from nuclear and fossil fuel sources—i.e., nuclear energy, coal, and oil—with environmentally harmful carbon emissions consequently. Today it is known that the combustion of coal, natural gas or oil releases carbon, which reaches the earth's atmosphere as CO2, creates the greenhouse effect and is responsible for global warming.

The UK's efforts are aligned with the Paris Climate Agreement of 2015, committing to a significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions while striving to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The "European Green Deal" further fuels this momentum to reach climate neutrality by 2050.

How do we decarbonise? Three Key Sectors

To achieve climate neutrality in time, the UK must promote investments for a rapid conversion to CO2-free technologies and create new markets for sustainable products. There is enormous potential for savings in three primary sectors:

1 Industry Sector

Two-thirds of industrial emissions are energy-related and could be avoided using greenhouse gas-neutral energy sources. A profound conversion of processes can greatly reduce process-related emissions. While residual emissions may occur in some areas, they must be compensated for or captured.

2 Transport Sector

In 2018, the transport sector was responsible for more than 19 percent of the UK's total greenhouse gas emissions. Key levers for reduction include:

• Reduce passenger transport: Traffic-avoiding urban planning and the promotion of virtual mobility.
• Shift to eco-friendly transport: Moving individual car traffic to public transport, cycling, and rail.
• Freight optimization: Promoting regional cycles and reducing empty runs through intelligent management.
• Electrification: Comprehensive expansion of e-mobility and synthetic fuels for heavy transport.

3 Building Sector

Old existing buildings present a significant challenge for the climate balance. Key levers for the real estate sector include:

• Energy-efficient refurbishment: Increasing the renovation rate to improve insulation and reduce demand.
• Green heating systems: Implementing heat pumps, solar thermal systems, and district heating instead of fossil fuels.
• Synthetic energy sources: Supplying residual fossil systems with green alternatives.

Conclusion

To achieve the UK's desired climate neutrality by 2035, additional measures and processes are needed across every sector where there is potential for savings. It is a collective task for politics, industry, business, and society.