(1) KNU Definition

Electrification usually represents the share of final energy that is consumed through electricity. This ratio is approximated in CCEM v8 since we comptute primatry energy production and consumption.

Electrification has been studied since 1950 and its evolution has been very well documented. Energy transition requires not only to build decarbonated energy production (what we call clean : renewables and nuclear), it also requires to transition energy usages from fossil to electricity, the electric vehicle being a foremost example.

The speed a electrification growth is a KEY belief of energy transiation. All net-zero scenario are based on very agressive growth of electrification (see the examples related in this blog post).

Using CCEM measurement method (primary energy consumed as electricity / total primaty energy production), the electrification ratio was 16% in 2020.  The typical value expected in 2050 is between 25% to 30% with CCEM median KNUs.

(2) What the slider in  G2WS does ?

The slider increases the energy-by-source consumption matrix transition to favor electricity.

The KPI that is used to give a feedback to the slider change is the electrification rate in 2050.

It is perfecly possible for a continent/block/country to favor electrification by :

• maintaining a low competitive price for electricty

• providing incentives, such as carbon-based taxes, to switch from fossil to electricity.

(3) References

The two books that you can start with : 

• How the world really works.

• Electricity: Human Low-Carbon Future

References to web data sources may be found in this page.