Heterogeneous drivers of decarbonization in the global power sector

Abstract The decarbonization of the fossil fuel-intensive power sector is critical for climate mitigation. During the global financial crisis, we found that major countries changed their energy inputs and achieved a rapid low-carbon transition in the global power sector. In this study, we employ two-stage decomposition models to reveal the diverse drivers of the peak-and-decline dynamics in the global CO 2 intensity of electricity. We then examine the regional heterogeneous drivers of CO 2 intensity from major electricity-producing countries within three income groups. Results show that the global CO 2 intensity of electricity reached its peak in 2007 and has declined by 0.35% per year since then. High-income countries consistently reduce the CO 2 intensity, while upper- and lower-middle income countries contributed to a reduction of the CO 2 intensity until recently. The adoption of renewable energy, the phase-out of thermal power, and improvements in energy efficiency supported by pronounced regional allocation effects contribute to the rapid decline in the global CO 2 intensity of electricity. This paper reveals breakthroughs in the recent global energy transition and sheds light on future CO 2 mitigation pathways in the global power sector.