Energy transition and decarbonization
28.02.2025
Paolo Falbo (Department of Economics and Management, University of Brescia, and Italian Association of Environmental and Resource Economists), Giorgia Oggioni (Department of Economics and Management, University of Brescia), Rossana Riccardi (Department of Economics and Management, University of Brescia) Sergio Vergalli (Department of Economics and Management, University of Brescia, and Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei)
Science Direct
"Energy Economics", Volume 142, February 2025
The energy transition is a process that has shaped recent human history and transformed it completely. It is usually characterised by the introduction of a new energy source that either complements the previous one or replaces it, often leading to an increase in productivity and economic growth. For example, the use of fire and the exploitation of fossil resources, first coal, then oil and finally gas, follow this pattern. However, the current energy transition is somewhat different from previous ones because it is driven primarily by a systemic need: the fight against climate change, which is becoming more and more urgent. This fight is pushing institutions towards a forced substitution of CO2-producing and exhaustible energy sources with renewable resources with a lower environmental impact. In this context, the adoption of the European Union’s policy “Net Zero Emissions 2050” has become increasingly critical. It serves as a roadmap for Europe to become a climate-neutral continent by 2050 and entails a drastic decarbonisation. If followed correctly, it could position the European Union to be a leader in the production of renewable energy in the future. The energy transition has therefore become inevitable and requires participation from all actors in the economic system: consumers, businesses and institutions. Policy makers, in particular, must find appropriate tools to facilitate this process in a smooth manner, while also trying to support economic growth.