Skip to content
2000
Volume 18, Issue 8
  • ISSN: 2352-0965
  • E-ISSN: 2352-0973

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the global transition towards 100% renewable energy (RE) grids while analyzing associated challenges and economic prospects. The scientific aim of the work is to examine national and regional plans, revealing shared research challenges such as neglect of system stability, reliance on specific RE sources, and limitations on capacity share growth. The subject of the research was to obtain insights into the economic feasibility of this transition, underscored by projections of creating 24.3 million new jobs by 2050 and substantial annual savings in air pollution and environmental costs. This study extends the existing research by analyzing promising examples from countries like Norway and Costa Rica, demonstrating diverse approaches with hydropower playing a pivotal role, while Canada and New Zealand showcase adaptability based on local resources. Addressing key research challenges, from technological uncertainties to socio-economic considerations, the paper emphasizes the need for robust policies and infrastructure development. Despite challenges, the transition promises economic benefits, with estimated annual savings in healthcare and global warming costs. The literature and global examples affirm the technical and financial feasibility of transitioning to 100% RE. In conclusion, this paper contributes to understanding the intricate economic and technological landscape of achieving a sustainable global energy transition.

Loading

Article metrics loading...

/content/journals/raeeng/10.2174/0123520965313603240529110810
2024-06-07
2025-11-15
Loading full text...

Full text loading...

References

  1. FrancoA. DiazA.R. The future challenges for “clean coal technologies”: Joining efficiency increase and pollutant emission control.Energy200934334835410.1016/j.energy.2008.09.012
    [Google Scholar]
  2. MahmoodD. A review on optimization strategies integrating renewable energy sources focusing uncertainty factor – Paving path to eco-friendly smart cities.Sust. Comput.: Inform. Syst.20213010055910.1016/j.suscom.2021.100559
    [Google Scholar]
  3. WHOConflict in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.2014Available From: https://www.who.int
  4. IEAClimate resilience policy indicator.2022Available From: https://www.iea.org/reports/climate-resilience-policy-indicator
  5. SpeightJ.G. Production, properties and environmental impact of hydrocarbon fuel conversion. Advances in Clean Hydrocarbon Fuel ProcessinCambridge, United KingdomWoodhead Publishing Series2011548210.1533/9780857093783.1.54
    [Google Scholar]
  6. ThitakamolB. VeawabA. AroonwilasA. Environmental Assessment of the integration of amine-based CO2 capture unit to coal-fired power plants for greenhouse gas mitigation.2006 IEEE EIC Climate Change Conference, 2006pp. 1-7 Ottawa, ON, Canada10.1109/EICCCC.2006.277214
    [Google Scholar]
  7. MakhijaniA. Carbon-free and nuclear-free: A roadmap for U.S. Energy Policy.2007Available From: https://ieer.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/CFNF.pdf
  8. VallackH. HaqG. WhiteleggJ. CambridgeH. Policy pathways towards achieving a zero-carbon transport sector in the UK in 2050.World Transp. Policy Pract.2014202842
    [Google Scholar]
  9. JefferyM.L. WilsonR. JonesC. Decarbonizing buildings: Achieving zero carbon heating and cooling UNEP emissions gap report view project modelling and informing low-emission strategies view project.2022Available From: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/359160001
  10. HeffernanE. PanW. LiangX. Delivering zero carbon homes in the UK Light Gauge Steel Design of Mid-Rise Residential Buildings View project Stability and Connections: Structural Analysis of Adopting Modular Integrated Construction for High-rise Buildings (up to 40 storeys) in Hong Kong View project.Proceedings 28th Annual Conference (ARCOM), 2012p. 4009 Edinburgh, UK10.13140/2.1.2110.4009
    [Google Scholar]
  11. IEACO2 emissions per capita in selected countries and regions, 2000-2020.2023Available From: https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/charts/co2-emissions-per-capita-in-selected-countries-and-regions-2000-2020
  12. IRENAIRENA Tasked with monitoring progress of UAE consensus renewable energy and energy efficiency goals by COP28 presidency.2019Available From: www.irena.org/publications
  13. JacobsonM.Z. DelucchiM.A. CameronM.A. CoughlinS.J. HayC.A. ManogaranI.P. ShuY. von KraulandA-K. Impacts of green new deal energy plans on grid stability, costs, jobs, health, and climate in 143 countries.One Earth20191444946310.1016/j.oneear.2019.12.003
    [Google Scholar]
  14. HansenK. BreyerC. LundH. Status and perspectives on 100% renewable energy systems.Energy201917547148010.1016/j.energy.2019.03.092
    [Google Scholar]
  15. BogdanovD. GulagiA. FasihiM. BreyerC. Full energy sector transition towards 100% renewable energy supply: Integrating power, heat, transport and industry sectors including desalination.Appl Energy202128311623710.1016/j.apenergy.2020.116273
    [Google Scholar]
  16. EllistonB. Comparing least cost scenarios for 100% renewable electricity with low emission fossil fuel scenarios in the Australian National Electricity Market.Renew. Energy20146619620410.1016/j.renene.2013.12.010
    [Google Scholar]
  17. MarkZ. 100% clean and renewable wind, water, and sunlight all-sector energy roadmaps for 139 countries of the world.Joule20171110812110.1016/j.joule.2017.07.005
    [Google Scholar]
  18. ConnollyD. MathiesenB.V. A technical and economic analysis of one potential pathway to a 100% renewable energy system.Int. J. Sust. Energy Plan. Manag.2014172810.5278/ijsepm.2014.1.2
    [Google Scholar]
  19. BreyerC. BogdanovD. AghahosseiniA. GulagiA. ChildM. OyewoA.S. FarfanJ. SadovskaiaK. VainikkaP. Solar photovoltaics demand for the global energy transition in the power sector.Prog. Photovolt. Res. Appl.201826850552310.1002/pip.2950
    [Google Scholar]
  20. DominkovićD.F. BačekovićI. ĆosićB. Zero carbon energy system of South East Europe in 2050.Appl Energy20161841517152810.1016/j.apenergy.2016.03.046
    [Google Scholar]
  21. BogdanovD. BreyerC. North-East Asian Super Grid for 100% renewable energy supply: Optimal mix of energy technologies for electricity, gas and heat supply options.Energy Conv. Manag.201611217619010.1016/j.enconman.2016.01.019
    [Google Scholar]
  22. BogdanovD. RamM. AghahosseiniA. Low-cost renewable electricity as the key driver of the global energy transition towards sustainability.Energy202122712046710.1016/j.energy.2021.120467
    [Google Scholar]
  23. RamM Global energy system based on 100% renewable energy. Power, heat, transport and desalination sectors.2021Available From: https://ccsi.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/content/docs/EWG_LUT_100RE_All_Sectors_Global_Report_2019.pdf
  24. SørensenB. Energy and Resources.Science1975189419925526010.1126/science.189.4199.25517813696
    [Google Scholar]
  25. HohmeyerO.H. BohmS. Trends toward 100% renewable electricity supply in Germany and Europe: A paradigm shift in energy policies.Wiley Interdiscip. Rev. Energy Environ.201541749710.1002/wene.128
    [Google Scholar]
  26. GissurarsonL.R. JonssonG. BjornssonT. Implementation of Green Bookkeeping at Reykjavik Energy.Academia2002
    [Google Scholar]
  27. LundH. Large-scale integration of optimal combinations of PV, wind and wave power into the electricity supply.Renew. Energy200631450351510.1016/j.renene.2005.04.008
    [Google Scholar]
  28. SadiqaA. GulagiA. BreyerC. Energy transition roadmap towards 100% renewable energy and role of storage technologies for Pakistan by 2050.Energy201814751853310.1016/j.energy.2018.01.027
    [Google Scholar]
  29. CobanH.H. A 100% renewable energy system: The case of Turkey in the year 2050.J. Adv. Eng. Stud. Technol202012130141
    [Google Scholar]
  30. LuB. Low-cost, low-emission 100% renewable electricity in Southeast Asia supported by pumped hydro storage.Energy202123612138710.1016/j.energy.2021.121387
    [Google Scholar]
  31. PursiheimoE. HolttinenH. KoljonenT. Inter-sectoral effects of high renewable energy share in global energy system.Renew Energy2019136111911294110.1016/j.renene.2018.09.082
    [Google Scholar]
  32. BrownT.W. Bischof-NiemzT. BlokK. BreyerC. LundH. MathiesenB.V. Response to 'Burden of proof: A comprehensive review of the feasibility of 100% renewable-electricity systems'.arXiv:1709.05716201710.1016/j.rser.2018.04.113
    [Google Scholar]
  33. RamM. Global energy system based on 100% renewable energy: Energy transition in Europe across power, heat, transport and desalination sectors.2018Available From: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329714210_Global_Energy_System_based_on_100_Renewable_Energy_Energy_Transition_in_Europe_Across_Power_Heat_Transport_and_Desalination_Sectors
  34. AghahosseiniA. BogdanovD. BreyerC. Transition towards sustainable development in the MENA region: Analyzing the feasibility of a 100% renewable electricity system in 2030.Energy Strategy Rev.20202810046610.1016/j.esr.2020.100466
    [Google Scholar]
  35. BogdanovD. ToktarovaA. BreyerC. Transition towards 100% renewable power and heat supply for energy intensive economies and severe continental climate conditions: Case for Kazakhstan.Appl Energy201925311360610.1016/j.apenergy.2019.113606
    [Google Scholar]
  36. SadiqaA. GulagiA. BogdanovD. CalderaU. BreyerC. Renewable energy in Pakistan: Paving the way towards a fully renewables‐based energy system across the power, heat, transport and desalination sectors by 2050.IET Renew. Power Gener.202216117719710.1049/rpg2.12278
    [Google Scholar]
  37. ZhongJ. Towards a 100% renewable energy electricity generation system in Sweden.Renew. Energy202117181282419710.1016/j.renene.2021.02.153
    [Google Scholar]
  38. LuB. 90–100% renewable electricity for the South West Interconnected System of Western Australia.Energy201712266367410.1016/j.energy.2017.01.077
    [Google Scholar]
  39. LuB. A zero-carbon, reliable and affordable energy future in Australia.Energy202122011967810.1016/j.energy.2020.119678
    [Google Scholar]
  40. IEAAustralia 2023.2023Available From: https://www.iea.org/reports/australia-2023
  41. BlakersA. LuB. StocksM. 100% renewable electricity in Australia.Energy201713347148210.1016/j.energy.2017.05.168
    [Google Scholar]
  42. ChengC. 100% renewable electricity in Japan.arXiv:2109.08363202210.1016/j.enconman.2022.115299
    [Google Scholar]
  43. IEAJapan 2021.2021Available From: https://www.iea.org/reports/japan-2021
  44. IEACanada 2022.2022Available From: https://www.iea.org/reports/canada-2022
  45. IEAEnergy policies of IEA countries: Ireland 2019 review.2019Available From: https://www.iea.org/reports/energy-policies-of-iea-countries-ireland-2019-review
  46. Ministry of BusinessComprehensive information on and analysis of New Zealand’s energy supply and demand.2023Available From: www.mbie.govt
  47. IEAEnhancing China’s ETS for Carbon Neutrality: Focus on power sector.2022Available From: https://www.iea.org/reports/enhancing-chinas-ets-for-carbon-
  48. HansenK. MathiesenB.V. SkovI.R. Full energy system transition towards 100% renewable energy in Germany in 2050.Renew. Sust. Energy Rev.201910211310.1016/j.rser.2018.11.038
    [Google Scholar]
  49. TraberT. HegnerF.S. FellH.J. An economically viable 100% renewable energy system for all energy sectors of germany in 2030.Energies20211417523010.3390/en14175230
    [Google Scholar]
  50. GilsH. SimonS. SoriaR. 100% renewable energy supply for Brazil—the role of sector coupling and regional development.Energies20171011185910.3390/en10111859
    [Google Scholar]
  51. ChildM. BreyerC. Vision and initial feasibility analysis of a recarbonised Finnish energy system for 2050.Renew. Sust. Energy Rev.20166651753610.1016/j.rser.2016.07.001
    [Google Scholar]
  52. Hooker-StroudAlice JamesPhilip KellnerTobi AllenPaul Toward understanding the challenges and opportunities in managing hourly variability in a 100% renewable energy system for the UK.Carbon Manag.20145437338410.1080/17583004.2015.1024955
    [Google Scholar]
  53. NunesP. FariasT. BritoM.C. Enabling solar electricity with electric vehicles smart charging.Energy201587102010.1016/j.energy.2015.04.044
    [Google Scholar]
  54. ĆosićB. KrajačićG. DuićN. A 100% renewable energy system in the year 2050: The case of Macedonia.Energy2012481808710.1016/j.energy.2012.06.078
    [Google Scholar]
  55. LopezG. AghahosseiniA. BogdanovD. Pathway to a fully sustainable energy system for Bolivia across power, heat, and transport sectors by 2050.J. Clean. Prod.202129312619510.1016/j.jclepro.2021.126195
    [Google Scholar]
  56. Ayobami Solomon OyewoA.A. Just transition towards defossilised energy systems for developing economies: A case study of Ethiopia.Renew. Energy202117634636510.1016/j.renene.2021.05.029
    [Google Scholar]
  57. AzzuniA. AghahosseiniA. RamM. BogdanovD. CalderaU. BreyerC. Energy security analysis for a 100% renewable energy transition in Jordan by 2050.Sustainability (Basel)20201212492110.3390/su12124921
    [Google Scholar]
  58. IEAEnergy policies of IEA countries: Denmark 2017 review.2017Available From: https://www.iea.org/reports/energy-policies-of-iea-countries-denmark-2017-review
  59. EUDenmark’s long-term strategy.1999Available From: https://ec.europa.eu/clima/sites/lts/lts_dk_en.pdf
  60. JacobsonM.Z. A roadmap for repowering California for all purposes with wind, water, and sunlight.Energy20147387588910.1016/j.energy.2014.06.099
    [Google Scholar]
  61. JacobsonM.Z. HowarthR.W. DelucchiM.A. ScobieS.R. BarthJ.M. DvorakM.J. KlevzeM. KatkhudaH. MirandaB. ChowdhuryN.A. JonesR. PlanoL. IngraffeaA.R. Examining the feasibility of converting New York State’s all-purpose energy infrastructure to one using wind, water, and sunlight.Energy Policy20135758560110.1016/j.enpol.2013.02.036
    [Google Scholar]
  62. JacobsonM.Z. DelucchiM.A. BazouinG. DvorakM.J. ArghandehR. BauerZ.A.F. CotteA. de MoorG.M.T.H. GoldnerE.G. HeierC. HolmesR.T. HughesS.A. JinL. KapadiaM. MenonC. MullendoreS.A. ParisE.M. ProvostG.A. RomanoA.R. SrivastavaC. VencillT.A. WhitneyN.S. YeskooT.W. A 100% wind, water, sunlight (WWS) all-sector energy plan for Washington State.Renew. Energy201686758810.1016/j.renene.2015.08.003
    [Google Scholar]
  63. JacobsonM.Z. DelucchiM.A. BazouinG. BauerZ.A.F. HeaveyC.C. FisherE. MorrisS.B. PiekutowskiD.J.Y. VencillT.A. YeskooT.W. 100% clean and renewable wind, water, and sunlight (WWS) all-sector energy roadmaps for the 50 United States.Energy Environ. Sci.2015872093211710.1039/C5EE01283J
    [Google Scholar]
  64. Climate GroupDriving renewables in a time of change.2021Available From: https://www.there100.org/our-publications
  65. JamshidiM. HatchA. LoweryA. SmithJ. The Future of Solar Energy.Int. J.Contemp Energy.2017381510.14621/ce.20170202
    [Google Scholar]
  66. HSBC BankBusiness plan for the planet.2023Available From: https://shorturl.at/qtvSU
  67. The United NationsThe United Nations-Climate Action.2023Available From: https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/raising-ambition/climate-finance
  68. The International Hydropower Association (IHA)Hydropower Status Report Sector trends and insights.2022Available From: https://www.hydropower.org/publications/2022-hydropower-status-report
  69. KroposkiB. JohnsonB. ZhangY. GevorgianV. DenholmP. HodgeB-M. HanneganB. Achieving a 100% renewable grid: Operating electric power systems with extremely high levels of variable renewable energy.IEEE Power Energy Mag.2017152617310.1109/MPE.2016.2637122
    [Google Scholar]
  70. International Renewable Energy AgencyIRENA Renewable Readiness Assessment: Paraguay.2021Available From: https://www.irena.org/-/media/files/irena/agency/publication/2021/sep/irena_rra_paraguay_2021.pdf
  71. BrownL. Washington electric utility fuel mix disclosure reports.2021Available From: www.commerce.wa.gov
  72. ChengC. BlakersA. StocksM. LuB. Pumped hydro energy storage and 100 % renewable electricity for East Asia.Global Energy Interconn.20192538639210.1016/j.gloei.2019.11.013
    [Google Scholar]
  73. DuttaR. ChandaK. MaityR. Future of solar energy potential in a changing climate across the world: A CMIP6 multi-model ensemble analysis.Renew. Energy202218881982910.1016/j.renene.2022.02.023
    [Google Scholar]
  74. BagwariA. SamarahA. GangwarR.P.S. AnandaramH. ElkadyG. Al AnsariM.S. AryaG. UniyalJ. Solar energy technology: Step towards bright future of the world.Int. J. Math., Eng. Manag. Sci.202276982100410.33889/IJMEMS.2022.7.6.061
    [Google Scholar]
/content/journals/raeeng/10.2174/0123520965313603240529110810
Loading
/content/journals/raeeng/10.2174/0123520965313603240529110810
Loading

Data & Media loading...

This is a required field
Please enter a valid email address
Approval was a Success
Invalid data
An Error Occurred
Approval was partially successful, following selected items could not be processed due to error
Please enter a valid_number test