Global Energy Systems Transition Trend and Low-carbon Transformation PathwaysEvidences from the IPCC AR6

Energy is the foundation of economic and social development. The conversion and use of fossil energy such as coal and oil are closely related to carbon emissions. Since the industrial revolution, human beings have used a large number of fossil energy, emitting carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and other greenhouse gases, resulting in a rapid increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and accelerated global warming. Therefore, controlling the carbon intensity of the energy system and increasing the proportion of non-fossil energy are the key measures to control climate change. At present, nearly 70% of the global carbon emissions come from energy system. To achieve net zero emissions of carbon dioxide in the middle of this century, we must first achieve net zero emissions of the energy system. In April, 2022, the report of IPCC AR6 WGIII “IPCC climate change 2022: climate change mitigation”was officially released. The report points out that the average annual global greenhouse gas emissions from 2010 to 2019 are at the highest level in human history, but the growth rate has slowed down. In order to achieve the 2℃ and 1.5℃ temperature control targets proposed in the Paris Agreement, all industries need to implement deep greenhouse gas emission reduction, among which the energy system emission reduction is particularly important and urgent. In order to achieve the 1.5℃ target, the entire energy system needs to be completely transformed and continuously transformed, including significantly reducing the use of fossil fuels, constructing a new power system dominated by renewable energy, and widely promoting electrification. Based on the facts reported by IPCC AR6 WGIII, this paper summarizes the characteristics and trends of global energy system transformation, as well as future opportunities and challenges.