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The role of renewable energy in the global energy transformation
Open accessAbstract
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.
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“Although there are more complex approaches to the analysis of the subject matter, such as the hybrid decision-making method developed by Naeini et al. [17], the classical SWOT analysis, described by Weihrich [18], can be perfectly applied in this case.”
From The Perspective of Large-Scale Production of Algae Biodiesel (2020) · cites this paper as [18]
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“Fossil fuels meet ~ 80% of energy needs but increasingly demonstrate negative environmental impacts from air pollution due to climate change, alongside dwindling finite supplies and volatile prices [49, 62, 63].”
From Biofuel production: exploring renewable energy solutions for a greener future (2024) · cites this paper as [49]
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“For example, researchers are investigating the use of nanotechnology to increase biofuel production [158], improve biofuel production efficiencies through the use of new catalysts, and biorefinery designs, utilize biotechnology such as genetic engineering to increase energy crop yields, and continue to reduce the costs of cellulosic ethanol and other advanced biofuel technologies [49, 130].”
From Biofuel production: exploring renewable energy solutions for a greener future (2024) · cites this paper as [49]
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Metadata
- Authors
- Gielen, D., Boshell, F., Saygin, D., Bazilian, M. D., Wagner, N., & Gorini, R.
- Affiliations
- Colorado School of Mines (US)
- International Renewable Energy Agency (AE)
- Corresponding author
- Wagner, Nicholas
- Venue
- Energy Strategy Reviews
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2019-04
- Volume
- 24
- Pages
- 38-50
- ISSN
- 2211-467X (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2911892655
- Cited by
- 4,973
- References
- 52
- Citations by year
- 2026: 577 · 2025: 896 · 2024: 951 · 2023: 833 · 2022: 786 · 2021: 557 · 2020: 307 · 2019: 63
- FWCI
- 153.47
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- gold
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Energy Strategy Reviews (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
- Topics
- Physical Sciences › Engineering › Electrical and Electronic Engineering › Integrated Energy Systems Optimization
- Physical Sciences › Energy › Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment › Renewable Energy and Sustainability
- Physical Sciences › Energy › Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment › Global Energy and Sustainability Research
- Keywords
- renewable energy, energy transition, energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, 2°C target, wind energy, photovoltaics, energy policy and regulation, transport decarbonization, charging infrastructure, sector coupling, renewable energy growth
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