Knowledge Tree
low-carbon energy sources
Also known as: low-carbon energy source, low-carbon energy sources, low-carbon energy options, low-carbon sources, low-carbon energy alternatives, low-carbon energy resources
Facts (27)
Sources
Sustainable Energy Transition for Renewable and Low Carbon Grid ... frontiersin.org Mar 23, 2022 13 facts
claimTo ensure smooth investment in energy transitions, capital must flow urgently to low-carbon solutions to avoid locking economies into carbon-intensive energy systems and to minimize stranded assets, according to Mullen and Dong (2021).
claimSustainable energy transitions require the formulation of effective policies that promote biomass resources, increase the use of renewable and low-carbon energy sources, and penalize or discourage the use of fossil fuels and unsustainable natural resource practices.
claimA sustainable electricity system requires facilitating infrastructure such as smart grids and models that utilize an appropriate mix of renewable and low-carbon energy sources.
claimSubstituting polluting fossil fuels with renewable and low-carbon energy sources provides environmental and socioeconomic benefits, including the creation of jobs and social capital.
claimJefferson (2000) and Colla et al. (2020) identify the decarbonization of grid electricity through low-carbon and renewable sources as a viable option for the energy transition, given that electricity generation is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions.
perspectiveCoal is expected to continue playing an important role in power generation through the application of clean coal technologies, though gradual substitution with renewable and low-carbon energy resources is recommended for coal-rich economies to diversify their economies.
procedureSustainable energy transition measures include shifting from fossil fuels to renewable and low-carbon sources, implementing efficient conversion technologies, electrifying transport using renewable electricity, and adopting energy conservation measures to eliminate unnecessary demand.
measurementAs of 2019, approximately 37% of global electricity generation was derived from low-carbon sources, specifically renewables and nuclear energy, with the remainder coming from coal and other fossil fuel sources.
claimThe electrification of transport, powered by electricity from low-carbon and green sources, is a strategy for the sustainable energy transition.
claimSustainable energy transition is motivated by the need to increase the use of renewable and low carbon clean energy sources, specifically solar, wind, biomass, hydro, and nuclear power, as noted by Rathor and Saxena (2020a) and Nguyen et al. (2020).
claimFossil fuels are the primary class of energy sources causing severe environmental pollution and are the main target for substitution with renewable and low-carbon energy sources.
claimRenewable and low carbon energy sources improve power supply, enhance long-term access and utility in energy production, decrease dependence on fossil fuels, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to Rathor and Saxena (2020a) and Nguyen et al. (2020).
claimEnergy is a critical requirement for sustainable development, making the selection of low-carbon and green energy sources a key objective for all nations.
Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels - CEBRI cebri.org Sep 22, 2025 7 facts
claimA second critical avenue for the energy transition is to level the playing field between fossil fuels and low-carbon alternatives, specifically regarding price signals, which includes a comprehensive reform of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies.
claimPromoting domestic low-carbon alternatives and energy diversification can strengthen energy security, reduce exposure to volatile import bills, improve energy access and affordability, enhance economic competitiveness, and free up fiscal space for fossil fuel-importing countries.
claimLow-carbon solutions for hard-to-abate sectors, such as sustainable fuels (low-carbon hydrogen, advanced biofuels) and carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), remain significantly more expensive than fossil fuel counterparts, which hinders their large-scale adoption.
claimEnergy transition readiness is defined as a country’s ability to replace fossil fuels with low-carbon solutions at scale and competitively, while maintaining the same level of energy services.
claimTargeted public support is essential for heavy transport and hard-to-abate industries to accelerate cost reductions, drive technological breakthroughs, and stimulate demand for low-carbon solutions.
claimIndia, Germany, and China have strong incentives to develop domestic low-carbon alternatives at scale to enhance energy security, as they face lower obstacles and a higher push to transition due to factors like lower per capita consumption or limited domestic production.
perspectiveCatavento argues that scaling up low-carbon alternatives across both energy production and consumption is an indispensable condition for a just, orderly, and equitable transition away from fossil fuels.
Clean Energy Solutions Must Include Nuclear | ClearPath clearpath.org 2 facts
claimThe retirement of existing nuclear power plants risks the loss of operating experience and nuclear systems expertise required to maintain nuclear power as a future low-carbon energy option.
claimCompanies can support clean energy, including nuclear energy, by entering into long-term power purchase agreements and investing in research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) to improve existing low-carbon options and develop new ones.
A Critical Disconnect: Relying on Nuclear Energy in ... energypolicy.columbia.edu Jul 6, 2023 2 facts
claimThe presence of 'firm' low-carbon energy options, such as nuclear power plants, lowers the costs of transitioning to a reliable, low-carbon grid by avoiding large overbuilds of storage and variable renewable energy sources.
perspectiveThe United Kingdom government recognizes that nuclear power is and will continue to be a key part of the UK's low-carbon energy mix alongside solar and wind generation and carbon capture and storage, despite excluding it from its Green Financing Framework.
Global perspectives on energy technology assessment and ... link.springer.com Oct 30, 2025 1 fact
perspectiveGovernments should improve energy regulatory agencies and increase public awareness regarding the transition to low-carbon energy options, zero-carbon public transport, and environmentally sustainable housing to reduce CO2 emissions.
DOE's climate report is misleading, inaccurate, and ignores ... catf.us Sep 3, 2025 1 fact
claimThe Clean Air Task Force (CATF) is a global nonprofit organization with over 25 years of experience in climate policy that focuses on developing and deploying low-carbon energy and climate-protecting technologies.
The Power of Change: Innovation for Development and Deployment ... nationalacademies.org 1 fact
claimNuclear energy requires additional safety improvements, lower costs, a better economic case, and more stringent security against nuclear proliferation and terrorism to compete with high-carbon and new low-carbon energy alternatives.