Electric Grid Modernization

Summary for policymakers    The energy sector is the source of around three‐quarters of greenhouse gas emissions today and holds the key to averting the worst effects of climate change,  perhaps the greatest challenge humankind has faced. Reducing global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to net zero by 2050 is consistent with efforts to limit the long‐term increase in average global temperatures to 1.5 °C. This calls for nothing less than a complete transformation of how we produce,  transport, and consume energy. The growing political consensus on reaching net zero is cause for considerable optimism about the progress the world can make,  but the changes required to reach net‐zero emissions globally by 2050 are poorly understood. A huge amount of work is needed to turn today’s impressive ambitions into reality, especially given the range of different situations among countries and their different capacities to make the necessary changes. This special IEA report sets out a pathway for achieving this goal, resulting in a clean and resilient energy system that would bring major benefits to human prosperity and well‐being.   

Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP) operators face major challenges. Water is the world’s most widely consumed product. Everywhere it is a strategic resource. Everywhere it needs to be carefully stewarded and managed to meet the challenges of: • access to clean drinking water for all, • water pollution and sustainable treatment, • regulatory and environmental issues, even more stringent (exacting standards and regulations for water quality, energy conservation and reduced waste and emissions). WWTP designers and operators are at the forefront of the two first challenges. And they have to confront these challenges on a fiercely competitive, cost-constrained water market.