The energy economics of the zero-carbon grid: Can renewables be a major player in the energy supply? E&T looks at how to make the plans add up

WITH SOME NOTABLE exceptions, governments around the world are moving to support the idea of clamping down on greenhouse gas emissions by making major changes to the biggest single source: the energy grid. The main question is whether it is feasible to move to a net-zero-emission grid in three decades – a target proposed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to bring warming under the 2°C threshold seen as key to preventing the worst outcomes.