From the United Nations’ Climate Action initiatives to Global Councils, the world no longer looks at renewable energy as an optional part of the energy infrastructure but as a reliable asset paving the road to energy independence. Energy lies at the center of climate change, and it is also the solution to the issue that countries can no longer ignore. Coal, oil, and gas account for over 75% of global greenhouse emissions and 90% of emitted carbon dioxide. Ending the reliance on fossil fuels and converting to more accessible, sustainable energy sources can help the world reach net-zero emissions. Sustainable energy has tremendous environmental benefits but also stimulates economic growth, employment, and most importantly, global access to energy.
IEA estimates that renewable energy will increase to over 17,000 terawatt-hours by 2030, making it nearly a 90% increase from 2023. In 2025, renewables will overtake coal energy generation, and in 2026, wind and solar sources are estimated to outpace nuclear power generation. In 2029 solar is estimated to become the largest renewable power source globally, surpassing hydropower.
Environmental Impact
The following are considered the most typical renewable power technologies: solar (photovoltaic, solar thermal), wind, biogas (e.g., landfill gas/wastewater treatment digester gas), geothermal, biomass, and low-impact hydroelectricity, including emerging technologies like wave and tidal power. The greatest impact on the environment is the lack of greenhouse gas emissions and the reduction of some types of air pollution. While traditional energy resources produce greenhouse gas and carbon dioxide, renewables don’t and can also help with the reduction of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, contributing to improved public health in urban areas.
Countries like Norway, New Zealand, Germany, and China are the renewable energy leaders. Since 2016, Norway has been producing over 98% of all electricity from renewable sources, harnessing the power from rivers and waterfalls as early as the 1800s. This demonstrates the feasibility of large-scale decarbonization.
Energy Security, Economic and Employment Growth
Prices for renewable energy technologies are dropping rapidly as everything from components to storage makes this solution much more affordable. The cost of electricity from solar power fell by 85 percent between 2010 and 2020 and it is predicted this downward trend will continue. Creating more access to self replenishing energy resources gives countries independence and security and allows for faster economic growth with worldwide trade of clean energy products. Reducing the dependence on imported fuels can bring more stability to many regions across the world. Renewable energy infrastructure helps with overall economic development and creating more jobs in manufacturing, components construction and installation.
Global Energy Access
Renewable energy has significant implications on social equity and global access to energy. It is estimated that in 2023 approximately 733 million people still lacked access to electricity. Decentralized solar installations allow for rural electrification, and further development of BESS systems will make the renewable power even more reliable. Community-based renewable energy projects empower local populations to participate in energy governance and benefit economically through ownership and profit-sharing.
While the development of the renewable energy infrastructure continues to grow, the overall outlook remains positive. In order to meet the global climate targets, renewable energy should account for 90% of global electricity generated by 2050.
