The role of renewable energy in the global energy transformation

TLDR

Ensuring CO₂ elimination requires new technology and innovation, especially in transport and manufacturing, and attention to emerging infrastructure such as charging stations and sector‑coupling implications. The study examines the technical and economic aspects of an accelerated 2050 energy transition using new renewable‑energy datasets. The authors use these datasets and propose adjusting policy and regulatory frameworks to mobilize a six‑fold acceleration of renewables growth, particularly wind and solar PV, alongside high energy efficiency. Energy efficiency and renewable technologies are core to the transition, with favorable economics, abundant resources, scalable tech, and socio‑economic benefits; renewables could supply two‑thirds of global demand and drive most GHG reductions needed to limit warming below 2 °C.

Abstract

This paper explores the technical and economic characteristics of an accelerated energy transition to 2050, using new datasets for renewable energy. The analysis indicates that energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies are the core elements of that transition, and their synergies are likewise important. Favourable economics, ubiquitous resources, scalable technology, and significant socio-economic benefits underpin such a transition. Renewable energy can supply two-thirds of the total global energy demand, and contribute to the bulk of the greenhouse gas emissions reduction that is needed between now and 2050 for limiting average global surface temperature increase below 2 °C. Enabling policy and regulatory frameworks will need to be adjusted to mobilise the six-fold acceleration of renewables growth that is needed, with the highest growth estimated for wind and solar PV technologies, complemented by a high level of energy efficiency. Still, to ensure the eventual elimination of carbon dioxide emissions will require new technology and innovation, notably for the transport and manufacturing sectors, which remain largely ignored in the international debate. More attention is needed for emerging infrastructure issues such as charging infrastructure and other sector coupling implications.