Sustainable Energy Transition: Technological Perspective

Since the 18th-century Industrial Revolution, the global energy scenario has greatly evolved to support technological and socio-economic developments. In the 21st century, the world faces a range of mounting energy challenges: surging energy demand, depleting fossil fuel reserves, escalating energy prices, lack of universal access to energy, and above all climate change. In response to these challenges, the global energy scenario is experiencing an unprecedented transition. The fight against climate change and the pursuit of sustainable development are central to the unfolding energy transition, also commonly termed sustainable energy transition or low carbon energy transition. This chapter discusses the unfolding energy transition in terms of its major technological dynamics. It defines the energy transition to have four main dimensions: decarbonization, energy efficiency, decentralization, and digitalization. It discusses the prospects of these four dimensions of this energy transition, particularly focusing on the relevant technological and policy advancements.