erneuerbare-energien - Energy in Transition

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Renewable energy and energy efficiency are the foundation of the energy transition. Renewable energy enables everyone to have secure, fair and affordable access to energy.

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Perspectives

THE ENERGY TRANSITION WORLDWIDE

The energy transition is a key element of action against climate change. Renewable energy and energy efficiency are considered to be key to reducing greenhouse gases, which are responsible for anthropogenic climate change. The energy transition also drives innovation, promoting growth, prosperity and employment in forward-looking industries. In addition, it can help wean us from our dependence on oil and gas.

The idea of switching our energy supply to renewable energy makes many citizens sceptical, provoking questions such as: ‘Isn’t that too expensive? What will happen to the people who work in the coal industry? What will happen with regions without much sun or wind? What geopolitical impacts will the energy transition have and what does that mean for our security?’

To find answers to these and other questions, it is a good idea to change perspectives.

DISCOVER RENEWABLE ENERGY FROM DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES

To successfully execute the energy transition and join forces to find solutions, we need to understand the various stakeholders’ interests and reconcile them with each other. Get to know the perspectives.

_{Choose a perspective and then switch between the different texts.}

Society

Politics

Economy

Science

How is the energy transition changing our urban and rural landscapes?
The urban and rural landscapes that we have become accustomed to over the past decades are changing. (Coal-fired) power plants are disappearing and with them, a large-scale infrastructure.
How does science contribute to the acceptance of the energy transition?
The energy transition must be backed by broad societal consensus. The basis for this consensus is provided by the results of sociological research.
Hydrogen is being talked about as an indispensable element for the global energy transition. What makes this transparent energy source so unique?
Renewables such as wind and solar energy are not available at consistent levels at all times of the day and night. On the other side of the coin, renewable energy is not always needed where it is produced..
What other developments will science advance?
Promoting international research creates incentives for joint European and international projects.

Society

Politics

Economy

Science

What goals has the international community set for expanding renewable energy?
In the Paris Climate Agreement, the international community laid out its aim to limit global warming to well below 2°C and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent below 1990 levels by 2050.
How can politics enable large-scale expansion of renewable energy?
To promote the expansion of renewable energy, policy-makers have stipulated certain rules and set incentives for businesses, researchers and citizens.
How can policy-makers ensure a secure energy supply during the energy transition?
In countries with periods during the year in which neither the sun shines nor the wind blows, known as ‘dark doldrums’, pumped storage power plants and bioenergy plants can deliver electricity quickly.
What does the expansion of renewable energy mean for international cooperation?
To ensure secure and affordable provision of renewable energy, countries must work together across borders.

Society

Politics

Economy

Science

Energy is at the heart of every economy. How much energy do we need in the first place?
Energy is the foundation of the global economy. Worldwide energy consumption amounts to 1.6 terajoules per day.
How will jobs change as a result of the energy transition?
The renewables business is now an important driver of innovation and the leader of the energy sector.
From energy suppliers to energy service providers. how will business models change as a result of the energy transition?
The energy transition is also changing companies’ business models. Energy companies are changing from energy suppliers to energy service providers.
What will the renewables industry look like in future?
Digital technologies are making the energy sector fit for the future.

Society

Politics

Economy

Science

What role does science play in the energy transition?
Science and research are advancing the energy transition worldwide. Different disciplines answer questions related to natural science, economics and sociology.
How does science contribute to the acceptance of the energy transition?
The energy transition must be backed by broad societal consensus. The basis for this consensus is provided by the results of sociological research.
Hydrogen is being talked about as an indispensable element for the global energy transition. What makes this transparent energy source so unique?
Renewables such as wind and solar energy are not available at consistent levels at all times of the day and night. On the other side of the coin, renewable energy is not always needed where it is produced.
What other developments will science advance?
Promoting international research creates incentives for joint European and international projects.

THE ENERGY TRANSITION IS UNSTOPPABLE.

In 2018, renewable energy accounted for 17.9 per cent of global end energy consumption.

For power generation in particular, the share of electricity produced from renewable energy is increasing, with no end in sight. In 2019, the share of renewable energy in the total global power generated rose to 27 per cent. This share is broken down into 58 per cent hydropower, 22 per cent wind energy, 10 per cent photovoltaic energy and 8 per cent bioenergy. The share of renewable energy in the electricity mix (including hydropower) is currently highest in China, the USA, Brazil, India and Germany. But other countries, such as Argentina, Australia, Israel, Mexico, Turkey and Viet Nam, are also seeing sharp increases in the share of installed capacity from renewable energy.

In industry, transport and buildings, however, the share of renewable energy is still comparatively low. However, progress is being made in these areas too.

Renewable energy offers huge potential.

Not only can we be supplied with climate-friendly energy and protect the climate, we can also improve air quality and benefit our health.

Worldwide, more and more people are gaining access to electricity, especially from renewable sources. Despite this progress, 860 million people, many of them in sub-Saharan Africa, still lack access to electricity. For the countries in this region, as well regions in South Asia and in South and Central America, decentralised systems such as mini solar power plants that operate completely off the grid have an important role to play.

To restructure our energy system sustainably and successfully, it is essential to adapt consumption, use available energy efficiently and come up with a suitable market design and storage options. Restructuring the energy supply system is complex and is highly dependent on local circumstances, such as the availability of sun, wind and water. This means that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, regions and countries can learn a great deal from the experiences of others and can join forces to promote the restructuring of the energy supply system worldwide After all, to create a secure, sustainable and affordable energy supply system, we need joint solutions.