Introduction to the Palgrave Handbook of Zero Carbon Energy Systems and Energy Transitions

There is great interest in responding to the global climate emergency by adopting the twin concepts of zero carbon energy systems and energy transitions to deliver the overarching policy outcome of net zero. Governments at all levels, from supra-national like the European Union (EU) and African Union (AU), to national, regional, local, and even corporations, are deploying various approaches (policies, legislations, projects, technologies, etc.) to zero carbon energy systems and energy transitions, with different associated costs, effectiveness, and levels of political and public support. In a field with such a myriad set of issues, of both theory and practice, and empirical and intellectual inquiry, what can we learn and what sense can be made of the available works? We answer these two questions via an edited handbook, as a type of reference work, or collection of instructions, intended to provide ready reference. Within the field of zero carbon energy systems and energy transitions, the handbook is a collection of topical chapters written by multiple authors and curated by the editors. It provides insights into specific aspects of the broader topic: creating a volume that reflects the latest research, ideas, and perspectives in the field, organized according to thematic sections.