Mitigating climate change is a difficult challenge. The government is currently committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% compared to 1990 levels by 2050. Under current proposals the 2050 target may change to net zero.
The global economy is still heavily dependent on fossil fuels today. The largest contributor to emissions is carbon dioxide (CO2), which is emitted when fossil fuels are burnt to meet our energy demands.
Decarbonisation of the electricity system is seen as a significant step towards achieving this target and avoiding the dangers of climate change.