Renewable energy as an alternative for the future
An issue that raises constant debate is the possibility that the renewable energy, renewables, may one day completely replace the energy system based on fossil fuels. Opinions for all tastes but few reports that can shed light on such an ambitious topic.
Obviously, first, we have to practice saving energy at home to be consistent with electricity consumption and, from here, is when we start with the energy revolution.
From Greenpeace and in collaboration with the German Aerospace Center after the publication of the Report Energy [R] evolution 2015, I know shows that by 2050 the world could be supplied exclusively with renewable energy.
100% renewable energy sources
The message is clear, the only way for the world to combat climate change in one way would be by using the different types of renewable energy in a forceful way, that is to say, we are at a key point of transformation of the energy sector.
In a few years, we have gone from an electrical system based mainly on fossil fuel to where in some countries renewable energies have become the dominant electricity supply for a matter that is also "not very moral" in our opinion …Large investors have opted for "cleaner" energy because it is mainly cheaper, obtaining greater benefits and in this case, it implies an extra, which means a possibility of stabilizing CO2 emissions in the long term with a direct benefit on the environment and climate change.
The key points of the document Energy [R] evolution:
How to reduce fossil fuels
The report proposes a long-term and constant process until the year 2050 where the gradual elimination of fossil fuels will be in stages. First, fossil fuels based on lignite (Maximum 2035), followed by coal (2045) and later, oil being finally gas in 2050.
Proven that renewable energy can transform power generation.
• The Renewables sector contributed 60% of the new energy generation worldwide in 2014.
• This expansion has meant huge drops in costs, so that solar PV and wind power are now more competitive than coal in many regions.
• Renewable energies are advancing despite the fact that the economic subsidy system benefits fossil fuels that annually receive around 550 billion dollars, more than double the subsidy for renewable energies (Figures from the IEA) and indirectly and in In particular, the G-20, they indirectly disburse around 88 billion dollars each year (See How much money rich countries subsidize fossil fuel with)
• Within the next 15 years, the share of electricity from renewable energies could triple from the current 21% to 64%, so that almost two thirds of the world's electricity would be found in the renewable energy sector. And beware of concepts such as bioenergy and biomass, they are on the rise and have a huge impact on the industry.
Transportation and heating as a great challenge
• Oil for heating would be replaced by solar collectors, geothermal and heat from renewable hydrogen.
• Gas will be the last of the fossil fuels in use, but it is replaced by hydrogen generated by renewables.
• The Transport is the most difficult sector, and requires a technical revolution and more R&D, especially in aviation and shipping. Airplanes and ships could be powered using biofuels, hydrogen, and synthetic fuels produced using electricity. So the demand for electricity would rise although generated with renewable energy.
The shift to renewable energy will create jobs
• Although the IEA predicts that the number of jobs will fall after 2022. The scenario of the report reveals a positive evolution, by almost 20 million between now and 2030, due to strong growth and investments.
• The Solar energy sector would provide 9.7 million jobs, equivalent to the number of people working on coal today. The jobs in the wind energy sector would create more than 7.8 million, which is twice the jobs that oil and gas generates today. (See also employment in renewable energy)
The investment to carry out this progressive change would be more than covered by the savings generated in future fuel expenses … «The additional investment - on average - required in renewables until 2050 is approximately 900 Billion euros per year. Due to the fact that renewable energies do not require fuel, the savings in the same period would be about 950 Billion euros per year, being able to comfortably cover the costs of the necessary investment in the sector, with the crossing point around 2025 and 2030. »
Or access report (PDF)Energy Revolution 2015 …
The Political will with the change of mentality of some countries are the most effective weapons to be able to reach a «utopia» that is really feasible and is represented in this report.
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