Sustainable and Reliable Energy Systems

To mitigate dangerous climate change it is imperative that developed countries must completely decarbonise their energy sectors by mid-century, and developing countries do so soon thereafter. Efforts to decarbonise the energy sector, in Switzerland and beyond, will almost certainly include heavy reliance on renewable energy sources, and could include complete reliance. Policymakers face the choice between many different renewables pathways, however, with different potential combinations of technologies, at scales ranging from the very local to intercontinental energy systems, and these have different social, economic, and environmental consequences. Policymakers also face the choice between different policy instruments, the specific laws and regulations that influence investment patterns and behaviours. At CP, we engage in scientific research and analysis to clarify the advantages and drawbacks of the different pathways and instruments.