Trade is not a direct source of energy in the traditional sense like coal or wind, but rather a mechanism that facilitates the exchange and distribution of electricity across different regions and countries. It involves the buying and selling of electricity, enabling areas with surplus power to supply areas experiencing a deficit. This can help balance supply and demand on a large scale, ensuring that energy resources are allocated as efficiently as possible. Trade plays a crucial role in energy markets by providing flexibility and helping integrate various energy resources, including low-carbon sources, into the grid, thereby promoting a more sustainable and resilient energy system.

The generation of electricity through trade typically involves grid interconnections that allow electricity to flow across regional and national borders. For instance, if a country has an abundance of wind power due to favorable weather conditions, it can trade excess electricity with neighboring countries experiencing lower production. This promotes the use of low-carbon sources like wind, solar, and nuclear power, while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Such exchanges can lower overall carbon emissions from electricity generation by enhancing the penetration of sustainable energy and optimizing the use of clean resources. By facilitating the use of energy from greener sources, trade contributes to a cleaner electricity grid.

However, the carbon intensity of energy sourced through trade can vary significantly, ranging from 24 to 820 gCO2eq/kWh. This wide range reflects the diverse mix of energy sources involved in trade, including both carbon-intensive fossil fuels and cleaner alternatives like hydroelectricity. It is essential to prioritize the exchange of low-carbon electricity to minimize the carbon footprint associated with trade. Wind and solar power, with their minimal emissions of 11 and 45 gCO2eq/kWh respectively, along with nuclear energy at just 12 gCO2eq/kWh, stand out as exemplary low-carbon sources. In contrast, traditional fossil fuels like coal (820 gCO2eq/kWh) and oil (650 gCO2eq/kWh) contribute significantly to global carbon emissions and are less desirable in a trade context.

Trade can also carry the disadvantage of being associated with air pollution, if the traded electricity includes a considerable portion from fossil-fuel-based generation. Fossil fuels emit pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, which are harmful to both the environment and human health. These emissions are a major concern and underscore the importance of shifting towards low-carbon energy sources. By expanding the share of clean energy technologies like nuclear, solar, and wind in the traded electricity mix, we can significantly reduce air pollution and foster healthier and more sustainable communities.

Ultimately, the strategic development of nuclear and solar capacity plays a central role in a cleaner future. Countries must prioritize and accelerate the expansion of such low-carbon solutions to meet the growing electricity demands of modern society, all while combating climate change and reducing air pollution. The role of trade in such a transition, if focused on distributing clean energy technologies, offers great promise in creating an interconnected, clean energy future. It's imperative to ensure that the traded electricity is derived mainly from these sustainable sources, guiding us towards a more energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly world.