Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-short-options-paper-shared-by-prelims-and-parts-a-and-b-of-the-physics-course-of-the-university-of-oxford/2016/s4/3/b/solution

Electricity is a strong early decarbonization target because large stationary sources are comparatively accessible and a low-carbon grid enables cleaner vehicles, heat pumps and industry. For example a heat pump with coefficient of performance three divides electricity-related heat emissions by three per unit useful heat. But grid decarbonization does not automatically outrank every efficiency, methane, land-use or industrial intervention. Marginal abatement cost, cumulative emissions, construction time and available technology determine priorities. A very coal-intensive grid makes electrification alone less effective; a clean grid does not remove aviation or process emissions. The statement is a plausible strategic emphasis, not a deduction valid for every country and timescale.

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