ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on the decarbonization of the electricity sector and the necessary increasing share of renewable energy. It explores the impact of a complete substitution of fossil-electricity by wind electricity in the European Union during the period 2015–2050. The book analyzes multiregional input-output analysis, dynamic energy-economy-environment models and the literature on technological change in renewable energy technologies (RET) to model the impact of the global diffusion of RET on European consumption-based emissions. It aims to focuses on the Framework for Integrated Sustainability Assessment to assess socio-economic, environmental and social impacts associated with an alternative future electricity mix scenario in Mexico where Natural Gas Combined Cycle electricity generation is partially substituted by solar thermal electricity. The book highlights the trade-offs between climate change mitigation, economic growth and resource consumption.
