Uneven Distribution of Natural Energy Resources Impacts on Systemwide Energy Return on Investment

Abstract Regional disparities in natural energy resources may impede the acceleration of energy transitions in regional power systems, as the shift to net‐zero power systems requires significant energy inputs. Net energy, defined as the surplus remaining after accounting for energy inputs, serves as a key metric of system performance. This study examines the net energy performance of nine regions across the nine decarbonization scenarios to 2050 using the systemwide energy return on investment (EROI) framework. This framework adopts a holistic approach to assess primary energy quality at the electricity level, using the cumulative energy demand indicator derived from life cycle assessment analysis, and integrating EROI calculations with outputs from the LUT Energy System Transition Model. None of the regional EROIs fall below 10, often regarded as a global threshold for viability, although accounting for social factors and regional variations, the minimum EROI necessary to sustain societal functions may differ substantially. Thus, the regional energy transition (ET) is techno‐economically feasible without incurring a resource curse arising from further energy needs. Low‐cost renewable energy (RE) technologies dominate the energy mix, while other extractable regional natural energy resources have a minimal impact on EROI trends. In highly variable RE penetrations mainly driven by solar photovoltaics and wind power, the greater requirement for enabling technologies entails a decline in regional EROIs. In essence, achieving a net‐zero and cost‐effective ET requires prioritizing low‐cost RE technologies, indirectly mitigating the risk of a renewable resource curse and furnishing policymakers with a compelling rationale for their strategic importance.