Meta-analysis on necessary investment shifts to reach net zero pathways in Europe

Lena Klaaßen () and Bjarne Steffen ()
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Lena Klaaßen: Climate Finance and Policy Group, ETH Zurich
Bjarne Steffen: Climate Finance and Policy Group, ETH Zurich

Nature Climate Change, 2023, vol. 13, issue 1, 58-66

Abstract: Abstract Reaching a pathway towards net zero GHG emissions requires rapid and massive investments in low-carbon infrastructure. To redirect finance flows accordingly, particularly the European Union places an emphasis on sustainable finance regulation. However, the specific investment shifts required are not fully understood, which could lead to an insufficient steering effect for crucial technologies. Here we conduct a meta-analysis to derive the required technology-level investment shifts for climate-relevant infrastructure until 2035. We find a steep uptick in overall investment need, with almost €90 billion yr−1 being required already within the very near term (2021–25). Investment shifts are most drastic for power plants, electricity grids and rail infrastructure, which is even increased by the ambitions to become independent from Russian gas imports. Our findings highlight the need for sustainable finance policies that take into account the financing structures of these sectors specifically.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41558-022-01549-5

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