The evolution of the energy sector could reduce CO2 emissions and create new jobs, according to Green Growth Studies: Energy, a study compiled by the International Energy Agency (IEA) jointly with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Promoting new technologies, radically improving energy efficiency and the technologies involving renewable energy were pinpointed by the report as key factors to reform the global energy sector. Enel has been following these trends for years, by developing carbon capture and storage, implementing remote management systems in Italy and worldwide and by constantly increasing renewable energy production and installed capacity between 2009 and 2010 (respectively 15.3 and 26.9 percent).
According to the report, the transformation of the Energy sector will require significant investments, about 46,000 billion dollars by 2050. From 2007 to 2009, annual investments in low-carbon technologies reached on average about 165 billion dollars per year, 250 billion only in 2010.
The transition to a low-carbon economy in the energy system could produce positive effects on employment. Indeed, the renewable energy sector usually employs a greater workforce than fossil fuels during the stages of production, installation and maintenance. On the other hand, fossil fuels require more workers for extraction operations.
The field that offers the greatest possibilities for employment is solar photovoltaic, but technologies connected with Energy efficiency are also expected to register a significant growth.
