Locked in a fossil-centric system paradigm: LNG expansion impedes socio-ecological transition toward a just and renewable energy future
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In: Cell Reports Sustainability, Vol. 2, No. 8, 100464, 22.08.2025.
Research output: Journal contributions › Scientific review articles › Research
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Locked in a fossil-centric system paradigm
T2 - LNG expansion impedes socio-ecological transition toward a just and renewable energy future
AU - Kemfert, Claudia
AU - Präger, Fabian
AU - Hoffart, Franziska M.
AU - von Hirschhausen, Christian
N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2025 The Author(s)
PY - 2025/8/22
Y1 - 2025/8/22
N2 - The expansion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure in Europe significantly impedes the necessary socio-ecological transformation (SET) required to shift toward a decentralized, 100% renewable energy system (RES). By reinforcing a fossil-centric system paradigm, LNG infrastructure deepens Europe's dependence on fossil fuels, thereby delaying climate goals and increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, “H2-ready” claims and carbon capture and transport technologies (carbon capture, transportation, and storage [CCTS]) serve primarily to prolong fossil pathways rather than support a genuine transition. These developments exacerbate environmental damages and raise critical justice concerns, unfairly burdening future generations and communities affected by resource extraction. The analysis emphasizes that expanding LNG capacity is unnecessary for energy security and poses risks of stranded assets and infrastructure lock-ins incompatible with climate goal objectives. To foster a just transition aligning with sustainable development goals, the study calls for halting further LNG infrastructure expansion and redirecting investments toward 100% RESs.
AB - The expansion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure in Europe significantly impedes the necessary socio-ecological transformation (SET) required to shift toward a decentralized, 100% renewable energy system (RES). By reinforcing a fossil-centric system paradigm, LNG infrastructure deepens Europe's dependence on fossil fuels, thereby delaying climate goals and increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, “H2-ready” claims and carbon capture and transport technologies (carbon capture, transportation, and storage [CCTS]) serve primarily to prolong fossil pathways rather than support a genuine transition. These developments exacerbate environmental damages and raise critical justice concerns, unfairly burdening future generations and communities affected by resource extraction. The analysis emphasizes that expanding LNG capacity is unnecessary for energy security and poses risks of stranded assets and infrastructure lock-ins incompatible with climate goal objectives. To foster a just transition aligning with sustainable development goals, the study calls for halting further LNG infrastructure expansion and redirecting investments toward 100% RESs.
KW - energy security
KW - fossil fuel dependency
KW - fossil lock-in
KW - H2-ready infrastructure
KW - liquefied natural gas
KW - LNG
KW - renewable energy system
KW - socio-ecological transformation
KW - sustainable development goals
KW - Environmental Governance
KW - Sustainability Governance
KW - Sustainability sciences, Communication
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=105012742181&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.crsus.2025.100464
DO - 10.1016/j.crsus.2025.100464
M3 - Scientific review articles
AN - SCOPUS:105012742181
VL - 2
JO - Cell Reports Sustainability
JF - Cell Reports Sustainability
SN - 2949-7906
IS - 8
M1 - 100464
ER -