The Energy Transition:
Structural Transformation
What is the energy transition?
At a high level, the energy transition is the transformation of the world's energy generation from fossil fuels to cleaner sources such as renewables, plus all of the grid changes that go along with that.
We currently rely mostly on fossil fuels to power our energy systems, which generated a record 36.8 gigatons of CO2 emissions in 2022 (IEA, 2022). In order to mitigate the destructive climate impacts of greenhouse gases, the world needs a comprehensive, structural shift in the energy systems upon which global society is built. Of course, the energy transition is called a transition for a reason: fossil fuels will continue to be necessary throughout the coming decades of investment in clean energy infrastructure. To ameliorate this unfortunate fact, we recognize a) the growing potential for decarbonization in fossil-intensive industries, and b) the overlap and need for integration between fossil fuels and renewables (e.g biofuels).
Broadly speaking, we find that the energy transition can be broken down into two main categories. First, increasing the capacity of clean energy sources on the grid, such as hydropower, solar, wind, nuclear, biofuels, and geothermal. Second, modernizing the grid in order to handle the often variable nature of clean energy, with methods like electrification, long-duration storage, energy efficiency, and demand response.
How is Cornell approaching the transition?
Cornell University's approach to the energy transition is generally centered around increasing energy efficiency and replacing fossil fuels with renewables. Located in Ithaca, NY, which was the first city in the US to develop a 100% net-zero carbon plan, Cornell has outlined several methods of decarbonization in its Climate Action Plan, such as constructing and retrofitting energy-efficient facilities, increasing campus climate literacy, and developing sustainable energy systems to reduce fossil fuel reliance. One key example of the latter is the Earth Source Heat project, in which Cornell researchers are examining the feasibility of a geothermal system for campus heating. However, the university has found that "the cheapest and cleanest energy is that which is not used," and is therefore focusing heavily on energy efficiency and conservation.
What can you do to support the energy transition?
The global fossil fuel economy is an institutional problem, yet the individual can play a valuable role in advancing our global energy transition. Reducing household energy consumption and utilizing sustainable transport such as EVs and public transit are effective individual tools. For Cornellians, a particularly effective method of supporting the energy transition is to join Energy Transition Club :)