TITLE:
Decarbonization Strategies in the United States of America and the European Union (EU): A Comparative Analysis
AUTHORS:
Yaw Adu Twumasi, Edmund Chukwudi Merem, Zhu Hua Ning, Harriet Boatemaa Yeboah, Priscilla Mawuena Loh, John Bosco Namwamba, Jeff Dacosta Osei, Vanessa Ferchaud, Matilda Anokye, Recheal Naa Dede Armah, Esi Dadzie, Dorcas Twumwaa Gyan, Lucinda Achayo Kangwana, Janeth Ernest Mjema
KEYWORDS:
United States, European Union, Decarbonization, RAF Sensitivity, Climate Change, Carbon Emissions
JOURNAL NAME:
Low Carbon Economy,
Vol.15 No.4,
December
27,
2024
ABSTRACT: Recent developments in climate change and growing global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions requires all countries to significantly intensify their efforts to reduce emissions in the energy sector. Considering this assertion, this study conducts a comparative analysis of some decarbonization strategies adopted by the United States and the European Union to reduce carbon greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, this study derived data from various online data sources to analyze carbon emissions and decarbonization strategies in the U.S. and the European Union. Using curve-fitting models in Microsoft Excel, the study also modeled the average carbon emissions per state and country from 2005 to 2030 for U.S. states and EU countries. Results from the models show a decline in average carbon emissions in the U.S. (from 116 units in 2005 to 83 units by 2030), while emissions in EU countries are projected to increase (from 104.5 to 129.9 metric tons). The focus on these two regions is due to their significant contributions to global greenhouse gas emissions and their advanced decarbonization strategies. That is, the United States has historically relied on coal, petroleum, natural gas, nuclear energy, and renewables for electricity generation with natural gas and renewables becoming the dominant energy sources in recent years. Additionally, the U.S. has also adopted key technologies such as Energy efficiency, industrial electrification, low-carbon fuels, feedstocks, and energy sources (LCFFES), and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) to reduce carbon emissions. Comparatively, the EU has seen better performance from nuclear and geothermal energy, while biomass, oil, and large-scale hydropower lag. Also, the EU’s primary decarbonization strategies focus on electrification and carbon-neutral power, energy efficiency, demand-side measures, and circular economy principles. Hence, the study concludes that decarbonizing the energy system is essential for addressing climate change and mitigating the effects of increasing emissions worldwide.