The term decarbonization generally refers to the reduction of CO₂ emissions. These are produced when fossil fuels are used to generate energy and are responsible for the global greenhouse effect. More precisely, the term decarbonization refers to the conversion of all economic processes to renewable, emission-free energies as part of the energy transition. The aim is to reduce CO₂ emissions per kilowatt hour of energy generated.
Decarbonization measures
The largest CO₂ and carbon dioxide emissions are produced by coal and gas combustion in power plants and in the transport sector when diesel and petrol engines are used. Approaches to decarbonization include the expansion of e-mobility and the reduction of fossil fuels for electricity production in power plants. Some countries are focusing on nuclear energy or capturing carbon dioxide and then injecting it into deeper layers of the ground. However, both methods are highly controversial. The most sustainable form of decarbonization is the use of renewable energies such as wind and hydropower, biomass and solar energy.
Large rooftop PV systems or solar parks promote decarbonization
The Climate Protection Act now stipulates that Germany should become climate-neutral by 2045 and that 80% of its total electricity requirements should come from renewable energies by 2030. To reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and hydropower are to replace climate-damaging energy sources such as oil, gas and coal. The electricity generated by wind farms and hydropower plants usually has to be transported relatively far to the consumer, with the energy from Photovoltaic systems on commercial or industrial roofs or from Solar parks can be used directly by local companies. This has the advantage that no investments in new lines or network expansion are necessary.
Reducing CO₂ emissions through e-mobility
Another major building block for decarbonization is the expansion of e-mobility. Worldwide, the share of CO₂ emissions from road traffic is around 18%. Aviation and shipping each account for 3 %. It is precisely in this area that the reduction in CO₂ emissions is starting thanks to TGH quotaThe new charging points will be made available to companies, state and municipal funding programs and, in some cases, mandatory photovoltaics for new large parking areas on company premises. As a result, many companies are setting up their own or public charging points and increasing the attractiveness of switching to e-mobility for their employees and private users. At the beginning of 2023, the proportion of electric vehicles in Germany was already over 5%. Decarbonization is booming, especially in the road transport sector, and is also financially worthwhile for companies, as investments of up to 80% are subsidized.