Moving from principles to action for energy supply that mitigates against climate change requires a long-term perspective. Energy infrastructure takes time to build up; new energy technologies take time to develop. Policy shifts often also need many years to take effect. In most world regions the transformation from fossil to renewable energies will require additional investment and higher supply costs over about twenty years
Taking into account the assumptions discussed above, the resulting primary energy consumption under the Energy [R]evolution Scenario is shown in Figure 6.27. Compared to the Reference Scenario, overall primary energy demand will be reduced by 53% in 2050. Around 66% of the remaining demand in North America will be covered by renewable energy sources.
