Carbon Neutrality Pathways in East Asia: A Consideration of CCUS in the Power Generation Sector

While countries pledged net-zero emissions by mid-century at COP 26 and COP 27, ongoing oil and gas price hikes arising from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine may discourage switching from coal to natural gas, which is a low-hanging mitigation opportunity for fossil fuel-dependent regions. Fossil fuels, especially coal, could thus remain in use longer than previously anticipated in some Asian countries’ energy mixes. This chapter explores the low-carbon energy transition (LCET) scenario by way of analyzing the impact of net-zero emission (NZE) technologies that encourage achieving carbon neutrality as early as 2050. It evaluates such clean technologies as carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) in energy generation, alongside renewables and other clean fuels. Energy modeling techniques suggest how East Asia might best meet its carbon-neutrality pledges. Our findings shed light on policy implications for ensuring that East Asia enjoys economic growth and investment opportunities while avoiding threats to energy security and environmental hazards. It suggests there may be multiple lowcarbon energy transition pathways that countries may take to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.