Identification of key renewable energy sectors for global energy transition based on industrial linkage analysis

Abstract

Recently, many countries have vigorously developed a variety of renewable energy to provide sufficient energy support for low-carbon development. The aim of this study is to identify the key renewable energy sectors (RWS) for global energy transition by using a global multi-regional input-output model and industrial linkage analysis. We found that: (1) the developments of RWS in global countries present different picture. Of these, RWS in Norway, Brazil, and India are the cleanest, while those in Belgium, Estonia, and Czech perform the worst; (2) there are disparities in key RWS in different countries. For example, for Russia, the key RWS are wind and geothermal energy sectors, while for Bulgaria it is the bioenergy sector, and for India they are the solar PV and the bioenergy sectors; (3) Among the renewable energy sources studied, bioenergy performs best; (4) as the sectors of non-metallic mineral products, production of electricity by coal, and mining of fuel are closely linked to RWS, further carbon emissions reduction requires coordinated management of key RWS and these sectors. To transit to a sustainable energy system, decision makers need to introduce systematic policy guidelines for these key sectors identified.