According to According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), achieving net zero emissions by 2050 is an ambitious but still achievable goal that requires the deployment of a broad portfolio of low-carbon technologies and emission reduction options.

Main pillars for achieving net zero emissions by 2050:

1. Accelerated deployment of renewable energy sources: A tripling of global installed renewable energy capacity to 11,000 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 represents the largest contribution to reducing emissions by 2030. By 2050, renewables will provide almost three-quarters of total energy supply.
2. Improving energy efficiency and reducing energy demand: Doubling the annual rate of improvement in energy efficiency by 2030, saving the equivalent of all oil consumption in road transport today. This includes more efficient use of materials and behavioural changes.
3. Accelerated electrification of end uses: Key technologies such as electric vehicles (EVs) and heat pumps will lead to the electrification of the energy system, contributing to almost one-fifth of emissions reductions by 2030. By 2050, electricity is set to cover 53 % of total final consumption.
4. Significant reduction in methane emissions: Reducing methane emissions from the energy sector by 75 % by 2030 is one of the most cost-effective opportunities to limit global warming in the short term.
5. Development and large-scale deployment of innovative technologies: Technologies currently in the demonstration or prototype stage are essential, with an estimated 35 % of emissions reductions expected to be relied upon by 2050. This includes carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuels, and sustainable bioenergy.
6. Building and modernizing infrastructure: A large-scale expansion and modernization of electricity transmission and distribution networks (by approximately 2 million kilometers per year by 2030) is required, as well as the construction of infrastructure for CO2 (30,000 to 50,000 km of pipelines by 2030) and hydrogen.
7. International cooperation and just transition: Fair and effective international cooperation is essential to accelerate the clean energy transition, especially in emerging economies that need increased financial support and overcoming financing barriers.

Key technologies in the short term (until 2030) and long term (until 2050):

Short-term horizon (until 2030): Most of the emission reductions by 2030 will be achieved by technologies and measures that are already in place today. affordable, scalable and cost-effective.

• Solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind energy: They are the biggest contributor to emissions reductions in the short term. Solar PV capacity is expected to increase fivefold by 2030.
• Electric vehicles (EVs) and heat pumps: They are driving electrification in transportation and buildings. Electric car sales are expected to reach two-thirds of new car sales by 2030.
• Energy efficiency of devices: Improving the technical efficiency of equipment such as electric motors and air conditioners, and switching to more efficient fuels, especially electricity.
• Clean cooking solutions: Achieving universal access to clean cooking technologies by 2030, which reduces methane emissions and improves efficiency.
• Reducing methane emissions: Measures to stop non-urgent flaring and gas venting and universal implementation of leak detection and repair programs from fossil fuel operations.

Long-term horizon (after 2030 to 2050): Technologies that are currently available are also essential to achieving net zero emissions. in development phase.

• Carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS): Key for the decarbonisation of heavy industry (e.g. cement, primary chemicals) and synthetic kerosene, as well as for the removal of CO2 from the atmosphere (DACS). Together with hydrogen, they contribute to a fifth of the emission reduction between 2030 and 2050.
• Hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuels: Important for reducing emissions in heavy industry (e.g. hydrogen-based steelmaking, ammonia) and long-distance transport (synthetic fuels for aviation and shipping). By 2050, about 80 % of total hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuels will be used in industry and transport.
• Nuclear energy: Its capacity is expected to more than double, from 417 GW in 2022 to 916 GW in 2050.
• Advanced battery technologies: Including sodium-ion batteries and batteries with higher energy density for demanding applications.
• Direct electrification in heavy industry: Development of high-temperature heat technologies, such as direct electrification of cement kilns and iron ore electrolysis.
• Sustainable bioenergy: Modern bioenergy plays an important role in reducing emissions, especially in long-distance transport and heavy industry.

These pillars and technologies form the basis of the IEA's updated Roadmap to Net Zero Emissions, which is essential to sustain the 1.5°C target. JRi