Regional energy transitions

Deep decarbonization of energy systems is a key step to restrict the global temperature rise to “well below 2 °C”. Majority of global net-zero emission scenarios emphasize on the large-scale deployment of Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies like bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) to meet the global climate goals. However, the on-ground deployment of CDRs is still at a nascent stage and their feasibility and realistic potential needs further investigation. Further, early-stage integration of CDRs like BECCS in local and national energy systems could offer valuable insights about their impacts on society and the larger environment. Using a case study from India where emissions are rising rapidly, we demonstrate how an integrated BECCS-based local energy system could deliver net-zero emissions with co-benefits for the local communities and the environment. We recommend early-stage deployment of CDRs supported by integrated policies and carbon financing mechanisms to meet the target of net zero energy systems, in line with the Paris agreement.