What does "decoupling" in energy systems refer to?

"Decoupling" in energy systems refers to the concept of separating energy consumption from economic growth. This means that an economy can grow and develop without a corresponding increase in energy use or greenhouse gas emissions. The significance of decoupling lies in its potential to provide a pathway toward sustainable economic development by promoting energy efficiency and the adoption of cleaner energy sources.

In practical terms, this can involve innovations in technology that allow for more efficient energy use, shifts toward service-based economies that require less energy for production, or the extensive implementation of renewable energy sources that have a lower environmental impact per unit of output. Therefore, choosing the option that defines decoupling in this way captures the essence of pursuing growth while minimizing energy dependency and environmental footprint, which is a key goal in addressing climate change and enhancing sustainability in current energy systems.

The other choices, while related to energy systems and sustainability, do not capture the specific meaning of decoupling. For example, integrating renewable energy sources is a part of moving toward a more sustainable energy system but doesn't inherently address the relationship between economic growth and energy consumption. Similarly, increasing energy production with higher consumption contradicts the idea of decoupling, as it suggests a direct link between economic activity and energy use rather