Emerging carbon abatement technologies to mitigate energy-carbon footprint- a review

Abstract Global temperature is expected to rise by an average of 2 °C (optimistic scenario) to 4 °C (pessimistic scenario) by the year 2100 compared to the average temperature of the Industrial Revolution era (estimated by the IPCC Working Group 1). Technological advancement and population growth, powered by the exploitation of fossil fuel have led to a 68% rise in atmospheric CO2 concentrations and anthropogenic carbon emissions. While renewable energy production is on the rise, the consumption for non-renewable energy, especially fossil fuel is also on the rise due to increase in global population and rapid expansion of the global economy. Extant studies show that increase consumption of non-renewable energy leads to retardation in carbon emission abatement globally. The authors observed that there is limited discussion on both socio-technological transition perspective (particularly renewable energy) and emerging carbon abatement technologies. Limited options available to reduce energy-related CO2 emissions through a systematic review of academic studies is presented. This was achieved by discussing: socio-technological transition perspective particularly renewable energy; energy efficiency ways to eliminate energy waste; waste-energy technologies; emerging carbon abatement technologies. The study concludes that developing green and sustainable-energy economies requires innovative technologies and energy-environmental resolutions to reduce carbon footprints while transforming global economy.