As global temperatures continue in an upward trajectory, climate scientists across the globe are emphasising the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the irreversible consequences if the phasing out of nonrenewable energy does not begin now. However, is it really possible for a world so dependent on fossil fuels to be powered purely by renewable energy instead?
The subject of renewable energy has been discussed for decades and given the ingravescent issue of global warming, the topic has become even more so pressing, with many calling for the end of fossil fuels entirely. As atmospheric carbon levels continue to rise annually, in 2018 the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) stated that global net carbon dioxide emissions would need to fall by “45 percent from 2010 levels by 2030, reaching ‘net zero’ around 2050” to limit global warming to 1.5°C. However, the feasibility of this dramatic reduction and shifting to solely using sustainable sources of energy on a global scale is disputable. Thus, with this in consideration, how realistic is the use of renewable energy on a global scale?
“Wind and other clean, renewable energy will help end our reliance on fossil fuels and combat the severe threat that climate change poses to humans and wildlife alike.” – Frances Beinecke
Substantial Infrastructural Changes:
Transitioning to 100% green energy would be a monumental task, requiring the reshaping of global energy economies and the modification of infrastructure to accommodate such significant changes. Moreover, the elimination of fossil fuels would call for the replacement of petrol and diesel-fueled vehicles, in addition to finding sustainable fuel alternatives for boats and planes. As of 2019, electric cars only composed 2.2% of the world car market and only 17% of public buses operated on electricity globally, 99% of which were found in China, suggesting a shift to usage of only renewable energy would require major developments and innovation.
High Initial Cost, Cheaper Energy:
Despite the relatively low cost of running renewable generators, they are often expensive to build compared to traditional power stations, causing them to become vulnerable to changes in the cost of capital. Nevertheless, after the initial capital investment, zero-emission energy generation is now frequently cheaper than fossil fuel plants.
The majority of sites used for green energy generation are far from cities, imposing a cost on the wider electricity grid due to the expense of connection. However, in developing countries, renewable energy can be more suitable than the use of fossil fuels, particularly in remote and rural areas where the transmission and distribution of fossil-fuel energy are often expensive and difficult. On top of this, considering the substantial amount of greenhouse gases and toxic emissions produced by wood fires and fossil fuels, a shift to zero-emission energy would significantly improve air quality globally, leading to better public health.
Energy Production Consistency and Efficiency:
Many forms of sustainable energy generators only operate intermittently, when factors such as wind or sunlight are sufficient; thus, wind turbines, for example, only rotate for around a third of the time and solar panels are unable to convert energy after sunset. Therefore, renewable energy becomes more expensive as it is not produced at a constant rate. In result, certain countries may need to harness other forms of sustainable energy which allow for constant energy production or continue using fossil fuels on a smaller scale to generate power as demand peaks.
As shown in the diagram above, sustainable forms of nuclear energy have a capacity factor higher than other sources including fossil fuels, producing maximum power more than 93% of the time and making it 1.5 to 2 times more reliable than natural gas and coal. Additionally, nuclear fuel produces far more energy per mass than nonrenewable sources, with one pellet, weighing only 6 grams, yielding the same amount of energy equivalent to that produced by 1 tonne of coal, 120 gallons of oil or 17,000 cubic feet of natural gas. Therefore, it is clear that nuclear energy is more efficient than fossil fuels, providing further evidence that a transition to 100% renewable energy would be possible and beneficial.
More Required Space, Less Pollution:
The large expanse of land required for various forms of green generators is a significant factor in determining the feasibility of 100% sustainable energy. Biomass, wind, solar and hydro energy generators can occupy up to 1000 times more space than conventional power plants, whereas renewable natural gas (biomethane) and nuclear energy require less area. Despite the vast amount of required space, it would be less polluted, meaning surrounding land can be developed for other uses, such as farming around the base of wind turbines. Furthermore, solar panels can be built upon the roofs of existing structures, reducing the area occupied.
“The clear and present danger of climate change means we cannot burn our way to prosperity. We already rely too heavily on fossil fuels and we need to find a new, sustainable path to the future we want. We need a clean industrial revolution.” – Ban Ki-moon
In Conclusion, is 100% Renewable Energy Realistic?:
A study conducted in April of 2019 by the Energy Watch Group and the LUT University of Finland states “a global 100% renewable energy system can be achieved with zero GHG emissions before 2050 and more cost-effectively than the current fossil fuel and nuclear-based energy system”. Moreover, lead researcher Christian Breyer suggested that a transition to 100% clean, renewable energies is highly realistic - even today, with the technologies currently available”, inspiring hope amidst a persistent battle against global warming.
It is indisputable that transforming a world so dependent on fossil fuels to one which is powered solely by renewable energy would have its challenges and would not be an immediate change; however, such a transition is certainly possible with a collaborative effort from all countries.
Sources:
Forbes - IPCC carbon emission statements
Wired - Electric buses
Quartz - Electric cars
Wikipedia - Sustainable energy in LEDCs
The Economist - The cost of large-scale renewable energy
Phys.org - Space required for sustainable energy
Energy.gov - Efficiency of nuclear energy and energy capacity factor graph
Sciencing - Efficiency of nuclear energy
The study from the Energy Watch Group and LUT University - Feasibility of 100% renewable energy
Electrek - Information about the study conducted by EWG and LUT University