The energy transition is being shaped by the interconnected forces of rising electricity demand, urgent decarbonisation targets, and the need to adapt complex power systems to new energy sources. This global shift, driven by climate change imperatives and technological advancements, aims for a future powered by reliable and affordable renewable energy.
The energy transition is being shaped by the interconnected forces of rising electricity demand, urgent decarbonisation targets, and the need to adapt complex power systems to new energy sources. This global shift, driven by climate change imperatives and technological advancements, aims for a future powered by reliable and affordable renewable energy.
Key Drivers of the Energy Transition
Decarbonisation Targets: -
The primary driver is the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement and limit global warming. This necessitates a systemic shift from fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) to low or zero-carbon sources like solar, wind, and hydro power.
Rising Electricity Demand:-
Electrification is a core strategy for decarbonising sectors like transport and heat, which, combined with economic and population growth (especially in emerging economies like India), is leading to a significant increase in overall electricity consumption.
Complex Power Systems:-
The existing, often centralized, power grids need modernization to integrate variable and decentralized renewable energy sources effectively. This involves managing the intermittency of solar and wind power and ensuring overall grid stability and resilience.
Challenges in the Transition
Intermittency: -
Solar and wind power are weather-dependent, creating mismatches between supply and demand that require advanced energy storage solutions (such as batteries and pumped hydro).
Infrastructure & Investment:-
Significant upfront investment is required for new infrastructure, including grid expansion and modernization, and the development of new technologies like green hydrogen and carbon capture.
Policy & Social Factors: -
Inconsistent policies, regulatory hurdles, and public acceptance issues (such as concerns over land use for new projects) can slow the pace of the transition.
Opportunities and Strategies for the Future
Technological Advancements: -
Ongoing innovation in energy storage, smart grids, and digitalisation is making renewable energy integration more efficient and cost-effective.
Electrification of End-Uses: -
Expanding the use of electric vehicles and heat pumps, powered by clean electricity, offers immense potential for emissions reduction and improved energy efficiency.
Policy and Market Reform:- Implementing stable and supportive policies, such as carbon pricing and phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, helps to level the playing field and attract necessary investment.
International Cooperation: -
Global collaboration is crucial for sharing technology, finance, and best practices, especially to support developing countries in their transition efforts.
By proactively addressing these challenges and leveraging opportunities through coordinated action, a reliable, affordable, and 100% renewable energy future is an achievable goal.
The State of the Global Energy Transition.
Technical and Grid Integration Challenges * Variability and Intermittency: Solar and wind power are variable, leading to mismatches between electricity supply a...
Consensus
Energy Transition - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
Energy Transition.:-
Energy transition is defined as a shift from fossil-based energy generation and consumption systems to renewable energy sources.
Energy transition
An energy transition (or energy system transformation) is a major structural change to energy supply and consumption in an energy system.
MJF Lion ER YK Sharma
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