Energy conversion technologies for climate mitigation: A quantitative cross‐technology and sector analysis

Abstract

Energy conversion technologies are fundamental to decarbonizing global energy systems, yet their widespread adoption is hindered by high costs, infrastructure gaps, and poor cross‐sector integration. This paper provides a novel cross‐technology comparative framework through an integrated quantitative assessment of hydrogen production, solar thermal systems, bioenergy, and CO 2 conversion technologies, evaluating their technical readiness, scalability, and system integration potential using unified techno‐economic metrics and a cross‐sectoral framework. The analysis reveals that hydrogen offers 66–95% global warming reduction potential and $10.0–15.7 trillion USD in climate mitigation cost savings, alongside a 600 Mt. annual CCUS capacity gap by 2030. While several conversion technologies have reached technical maturity (TRL 7–9), realizing chemical‐sector CCU potential would require over 18,100 PWh (55% of projected global supply) of low‐carbon electricity. A cross sector integration framework links electrification (40%‐), CCUS (30%, 1.49 Gt CO 2 /yr), and circular economy strategies (16%) for hard‐to‐abate industries. The findings provide actionable quantitative insights for corporate sustainability planning, R&D portfolio optimization, and infrastructure investment decisions, emphasizing that widespread deployment depends on continued cost reductions, successful pilot to commercial scaling, and strategic modernization of energy infrastructure to achieve net zero emissions by mid‐century. The overarching objective is to guide strategic decision‐making for net‐zero transitions by providing a unified evidence base for prioritizing investments across competing technology pathways.

Source: semanticscholar

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