CO₂: What is it and why does it play a major role in the energy transition?
Is too much CO₂ a problem?
CO₂ is a greenhouse gas. That means it retains heat. A little CO₂ is needed to keep the earth livable. But due to human use of fossil fuels, the amount of CO₂ has increased sharply, and this causes:
- Global warming
- More extreme weather, such as heatwaves and heavy rain
- Sea level rise
- Problems for nature, biodiversity, ecosystems, agriculture and health
That is why the Netherlands and other countries have agreed to reduce CO₂ emissions step by step and ultimately move towards a climate-neutral energy system.
Where do CO₂ emissions come from?
In the Netherlands, a large part of CO₂ emissions comes from the use of energy (heating homes, electricity, business processes). Important sources are:
- Electricity production with gas or coal
- Heating of homes and buildings
- Industry, such as steel and chemicals
- Transport, for example cars and trucks
How can you reduce CO₂ emissions?
There are various ways to reduce CO₂ emissions.
1. Use less energy
Saving energy is often the quickest step. Think of:
- Insulation of homes
- More efficient appliances
- More efficient processes in industry
2. Use renewable energy and electrification
Greening the supply by using more renewable sources (wind & sun). It also helps if consumption is electrified.
3. Storage of (renewable) energy
The generation of renewable energy is not in sync with consumption. In winter, more energy is consumed than in summer, while in summer more renewable energy is generated. By storing energy (temporarily), we can use it later.
4. An integrated energy system
For some applications, electricity alone is not enough. Storing large amounts of energy as electricity is also still complicated and expensive. Sustainable gases, such as green gas or hydrogen, play an important role in this. By cleverly aligning these two systems (electricity and sustainable gases), we use as much renewable energy as possible and reduce CO₂ emissions.
Conclusion
CO₂ is a natural gas that is necessary for life on earth. The problem arises because people emit too much CO₂ through the use of fossil fuels. That extra emission causes climate change and has consequences for nature, the economy and society.