Air pollution and severe climate change are the two pressing concerns the world is grappling with at present, pushing decision makers to take significant steps to address these challenges. Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy resources is the most reliable way to minimise the impact and save the planet, as burning of fossil fuels instigate extreme weather patterns. 

Can renewable energy be the key to powering the whole world while minimising the carbon emissions? This article is crafted to shed light on the substantial role of renewable energy in meeting the global energy demands and what are the primary challenges hindering its journey towards net-zero by 2050. 

Renewable Energy on the Fast Track 

Harnessing power through renewable energy resources has captured global attention, significantly mitigating severe climate change and paving the way towards a clean & greener future. The use of renewable energy in the power, heat and transport sector is set to increase by nearly 60% from 2024-2030, indicating the future for renewable energy is on roll. Last year, the electricity generation through imperishable renewable energy resources including solar and wind power accounted for nearly 30%, accelerating reliance on green power generation. 

100% Clean Power by 2050 

Scientific studies indicate that to avert the impact of environmental shift triggered by greenhouse gas emission the global temperature rise needs to be limited at 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels given the present temperature rise which is already 1.2°C warmer than it was in late 1800s. To keep the temperature rise no more than 1.5°C, world leaders at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) reached an agreement to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. 

Achieving net zero refers to adding no GHGs into the atmosphere, pushing nations globally to harness natural energy resources, leading the way to clean and a brighter future. The world can achieve 100% renewable energy only when the right strategies are implemented and green technologies are incorporated to fasten the energy transition. 

Insights into Key Drivers

Power generation through renewable energy resources is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly, as this green energy has the potential to achieve net zero goals and turn this vision into reality. Lack of adequate knowledge and proper awareness can hinder the way towards green energy, but with collaboration and innovation, it seems possible to power the entire world solely on renewable energy resources. 

Despite all the hurdles and challenges, transition towards green energy is accelerated due to following catalysts:

  • Generating power through renewable energy resources is a clean and cost-effective way to replace fossil fuels, bringing down carbon emissions and accelerating the shift towards a green and brighter tomorrow. 
  • Renewable energy resources like wind and solar power have become increasingly efficient with technological advancements, presenting cost-effective and seamless energy supply to effectively meet global energy demands. 
  • The use of endless natural energy resources for power generation boosts economic development by creating thousands of job opportunities in manufacturing, installation, engineering, and maintenance.

Challenges & Considerations 

Undoubtedly reliance on renewable energy resources paves the way towards a promising and brighter future, but there are certain challenges hindering its progress. Initial costs and substantial investment to upgrade and expand the existing infrastructure pose significant challenges in the expansion of green energy resources. Moreover, wind and solar power are inherently intermittent, posing roadblocks in the grid stability and seamless power supply. 

A multi-faceted approach is required to overcome these challenges, pushing decision makers to integrate innovative technology, developing supporting policies and raise adequate awareness, to run the entire world on renewable energy resources.