Energy Transition through 2050: Climate Science, Low Carbon Energy and Carbon Capture Strategies that Lead to Net-Zero

INTERNATIONAL TRAINING ON ENERGY TRANSITION THROUGH 2050: CLIMATE SCIENCE, LOW CARBON ENERGY AND CARBON CAPTURE STRATEGIES THAT LEAD TO NET-ZERO

COURSE BACKGROUND

The commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions presents the most pressing challenge for energy suppliers and consumers globally. This ambitious goal necessitates a profound understanding of climate science, the trajectory of global energy demand, and the comprehensive suite of low-carbon strategies spanning energy demand, supply, and carbon capture. Without clear roadmaps and multi-stakeholder engagement, the transition to a sustainable energy future remains elusive.

ECAS Institute offers this program to directly address the urgent need for a strategic approach to the energy transition. We aim to equip participants with knowledge about the drivers of global warming, energy demand projections through 2050, and the diverse strategies required to limit it. This course is designed to empower individuals and organizations to contribute effectively to their respective net-zero commitments.

This training focuses on analyzing energy projections leading to a low-carbon future, exploring the roles of governments, corporations, and energy supply companies in stimulating action. By understanding the science, current models, and various mitigation pathways, ECAS seeks to enable managers, executives, and officials to develop rational plans that contribute significantly to the evolving global energy transition.

COURSE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING

Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the science and impact of global warming and its drivers.
2. Analyze global energy demand growth projections through 2050.
3. Identify and evaluate various low carbon strategies related to energy demand, energy supply, and carbon capture.
4. Comprehend the roles and potential actions of different stakeholders (government, corporations, advocates, energy supply companies) in stimulating energy transition.
5. Develop a framework for preparing a “rational plan” for reducing carbon footprint and contributing to an evolving energy transition.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

This program responds to the most pressing challenge faced by energy suppliers and consumers today: The energy transition commitments that you, your company as well as governments must make to reduce carbon emissions to net-zero. During this program, you will learn:

• The drivers of global warming and its scientific basis.
• The extent of global energy demand growth through 2050.
• The many low carbon strategies associated with energy demand, energy supply, and carbon capture to limit global warming.
• The various strategies that stakeholders, including government, corporations, advocates, and energy supply companies, have or could establish to stimulate action and achieve net-zero goals.
• Analysis of energy projections made through 2050 that lead to a low-carbon future.

DURATION AND PROGRAM

This is a structured training program designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the energy transition towards net-zero by 2050. The program will incorporate in-depth discussions, analysis of energy projections, and strategic insights. The detailed program schedule, including specific session timings and discussion topics, will be communicated prior to the training commencement.

TARGET PARTICIPANTS

This program is ideal for those managers, executives, specialists, and government officials who wish to understand the science and impact of global warming and the actions that can be implemented to reduce their respective carbon footprint. Upon completion, participants will be equipped to prepare a “rational plan” for their company or government’s contribution to the evolving energy transition.

• Managers and Executives across all industries.
• Specialists in energy, sustainability, and environmental fields.
• Government Officials involved in energy policy, climate action, and planning.
• Decision-makers responsible for their organization’s carbon footprint and energy strategy.

TRAINING MODULES

The program content is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of the energy transition pathway to net-zero by 2050, from scientific foundations to practical strategies:

No	Module	Details
1.	The Science and Impact of Global Warming	This module establishes the foundational scientific understanding of climate change, its drivers, and the observed and projected impacts on the planet. The key topics include; Greenhouse effect and anthropogenic emissions. Historical temperature trends and climate models. Observed impacts of global warming (e.g., extreme weather, sea-level rise). Tipping points and long-term climate projections. The imperative for net-zero emissions.
2.	Energy Transition Model, Learning Curves and 2020 Historical Demand-Supply Profile	This module introduces frameworks for understanding energy transitions, the role of technological learning, and examines the recent historical context of global energy demand and supply. Historical energy transitions and their characteristics. The concept of learning curves in energy technology adoption. Analysis of global energy demand and supply profiles in 2020. Key trends and imbalances in the recent energy landscape.
3.	Drivers of Energy Demand and Projected Energy Intensity	This module explores the fundamental factors influencing global energy demand and how energy intensity is projected to change in the coming decades. Population growth, economic development, and urbanization as demand drivers. Energy efficiency and conservation measures. Sectoral energy demand analysis (industrial, residential, commercial, transport). Projections of energy intensity reduction.
4.	Projections of Energy Demand	This module dives into detailed quantitative projections of global and regional energy demand through 2050 under various scenarios, particularly those leading to low-carbon outcomes. The key topics include: Methodologies for long-term energy demand forecasting. Analysis of reputable energy outlooks (e.g., IEA, IRENA, BP Energy Outlook). Scenario analysis for net-zero pathways. Implications of different demand projections for climate targets.
5.	Projections of Energy Supply from Fossil Fuels	This module examines the projected role and trajectory of fossil fuel supply within energy transition scenarios, including considerations for phase-down and responsible management. The key topics include: Current and projected fossil fuel reserves and production. Stranded asset risks in a low-carbon future. The role of natural gas as a “transition fuel.” Investment trends in fossil fuel extraction and infrastructure.
6.	Electrification, Power Supply, Hydrogen Fuels and the Growth of Renewables	This module focuses on the core pillars of low-carbon energy supply: the increasing electrification of economies, the transformation of power grids, the emergence of hydrogen, and the rapid growth of renewable energy. The key topics include: The role of electrification in decarbonization. Integration of variable renewables into power grids. Hydrogen as a future energy carrier: production (green, blue), transport, and end-uses. Breakdown of renewable energy growth projections (solar, wind, hydro, geothermal). Challenges and opportunities in expanding renewable capacity.
7.	Energy Transition within the World’s 10 Regions	This module provides a granular view of the energy transition by analyzing its unique challenges, opportunities, and progress across different major global regions. The key topics include: Regional differences in energy mixes and consumption patterns. Policy and regulatory variations across regions. Case studies of regional energy transition strategies (e.g., EU, China, India, USA). Inter-regional collaboration for energy transition.
8.	Government and Public Policies to Stimulate Energy Transition	This module explores the range of policy instruments and governmental interventions designed to accelerate the energy transition and drive decarbonization. Carbon pricing mechanisms (carbon taxes, cap-and-trade). Renewable energy mandates and incentives. Support for research, development, and demonstration (RD&D). Regulatory frameworks for grid modernization and energy efficiency. International cooperation and climate finance.
9.	Energy Transition Strategies of Oil and Gas Companies	This module examines how traditional oil and gas companies are adapting their business models and strategies in response to the energy transition imperative. Diversification into renewable energy and low-carbon technologies. Investments in carbon capture and storage. Strategic partnerships and acquisitions in new energy sectors. Challenges of balancing traditional fossil fuel assets with new energy ventures.
10.	Contributions of Carbon Capture, Storage and Utilization to Energy Transition	This module provides an in-depth look at Carbon Capture, Storage (CCS), and Utilization (CCU) technologies and their potential role in achieving net-zero emissions. The key topics include: Technologies for capturing carbon emissions from industrial sources and power plants. Geological storage options and safety considerations. Utilization pathways for captured carbon (e.g., enhanced oil recovery, industrial uses). The role of direct air capture (DAC). Policy and economic viability of CCS/CCU at scale.
12.	Bringing It All Together – Bridging the Gap	This concluding module synthesizes the concepts learned, focusing on how to integrate various strategies and overcome barriers to achieve comprehensive net-zero plans. The key topics: Developing a rational, actionable plan for energy transition at organizational/governmental level. Addressing financial, technological, and social barriers. Importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration and public engagement. Measuring progress and adapting strategies. Future outlook and innovation in the energy transition.

TRAINING STYLE

The modules will be taught through PowerPoint presentations, and lectures and will include a case study/field visit, breakout sessions, case studies and other interactive discussion components.

The course will also include a few guest speakers, both in person and via Zoom and other online learning platforms for overseas speakers. This provides useful real-world insights alongside the more theoretical aspects of the course.

The conference faculty shall consist of experienced decision makers, as well as practitioners and representatives from established educational and research institutions active around climate change, engineering and international development. Throughout the course, theoretical presentation of concepts will be moderated and more group discussions and plenary engagements will be optimized. PowerPoint presentations will be made by facilitators and resource persons, to highlight key concepts before embarking on group work.

GENERAL NOTES

• Training manuals and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.
• Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be issued with a certificate.
• We can also do this as a tailor-made course to meet organization-wide needs. Contact us to find out more: info@ecasiafrica.org.
• Payment should be sent to our bank account before the start of training and proof of payment sent to: info@ecasiafrica.org.

ABOUT ECAS INSTITUTE

The ECAS Institute designs and delivers independent and targeted training, research, and consulting services. Our work focusses on climate change and resilience building, carbon markets, renewable energy, nature-based solution, biodiversity conservation, agriculture and food systems, We are located in Nairobi Kenya and work across the African region. We have implemented training and research assignments in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Somalia, Malawi, Rwanda, Congo, and South Africa. Globally, we have supported our partners from the UK, Denmark, Italy, Sweden, Germany, and USA.