100% Renewable Energy Systems are Feasible and Cost-Effective Globally

Why It Matters

This insight challenges the notion that a complete shift away from fossil fuels is prohibitively expensive or technically impossible. It provides a strong foundation for design decisions aimed at long-term sustainability and resource independence.

Key Finding

The research strongly supports the global viability and economic advantage of transitioning entirely to renewable energy sources, with solar and wind power being key components, and highlights the role of new technologies and carbon removal in achieving climate goals.

Key Findings

• 100% renewable energy systems are feasible worldwide at low cost.
• Solar and wind power are the central pillars of sustainable energy systems, complemented by energy efficiency.
• Cost-optimization modeling favors higher solar photovoltaic shares, while diversification strategies point to higher wind power contributions.
• Recent research addresses challenges like grid congestion, energy storage, and sector coupling (e.g., power-to-X, hydrogen-to-X).
• Integration of natural and technical carbon dioxide removal (CDR) approaches can lead to net-negative emissions and limit global warming to 1.5°C.

Research Evidence

Aim: To assess the global feasibility and cost-effectiveness of transitioning to 100% renewable energy systems.

Method: Literature review and meta-analysis of existing research, combined with advanced modeling techniques.

Procedure: The study synthesized findings from numerous research groups and organizations that have modeled pathways to 100% renewable energy. It analyzed various transition scenarios, considering factors like resource availability, cost optimization, and technological advancements.

Context: Global energy systems and sustainable development.

Design Principle

Design for a 100% renewable energy future by prioritizing efficiency, storage, and carbon sequestration.

How to Apply

When designing energy systems or products that consume energy, consider how they can be powered by renewable sources and contribute to overall energy efficiency and carbon reduction goals.

Limitations

The study acknowledges initial skepticism and institutional inertia that may hinder adoption, and the specific modeling assumptions can influence pathway outcomes.

Student Guide (IB Design Technology)

Simple Explanation: It's possible to power the whole world using only renewable energy like solar and wind, and it can even be cheaper than using fossil fuels. This research shows how we can do it and what technologies are most important.

Why This Matters: Understanding the feasibility of 100% renewable energy systems is crucial for designing sustainable products and solutions that align with global climate goals and resource management strategies.

Critical Thinking: How might the specific geographical and resource availability of a particular region influence the optimal pathway towards a 100% renewable energy system, and what design considerations arise from these regional differences?

IA-Ready Paragraph: Research by Breyer et al. (2022) demonstrates that a global transition to 100% renewable energy systems is not only feasible but also cost-effective, primarily leveraging solar and wind power. This comprehensive analysis suggests that by integrating energy efficiency, advanced storage solutions, and sector coupling, alongside carbon dioxide removal technologies, a sustainable, net-negative emissions economy can be achieved, offering a clear pathway to limit global warming.

Project Tips

• When exploring energy solutions, consider the long-term viability of 100% renewable systems.
• Investigate the role of energy storage and sector coupling in making renewable energy reliable.
• Analyze the cost-effectiveness of different renewable energy combinations.

How to Use in IA

• Reference this study when justifying the choice of renewable energy sources for a design project.
• Use its findings to support arguments about the economic and environmental benefits of sustainable energy transitions.

Examiner Tips

• Demonstrate an understanding of the global shift towards renewable energy and its implications for design.
• Critically evaluate the challenges and opportunities presented in the transition to 100% renewable systems.

Independent Variable: Energy sources (renewable vs. fossil fuel), technological advancements, cost optimization strategies, resource availability.

Dependent Variable: Feasibility of 100% renewable energy systems, cost-effectiveness, greenhouse gas emissions, grid stability.

Controlled Variables: Global warming targets (e.g., 1.5°C), carbon budget, energy demand projections.

Strengths

• Comprehensive synthesis of a large body of research.
• Inclusion of advanced concepts like sector coupling and carbon dioxide removal.
• Addresses feasibility and cost-effectiveness on a global scale.

Critical Questions

• What are the primary barriers to the widespread adoption of these 100% renewable energy pathways, beyond technical feasibility?
• How do the proposed pathways account for the intermittency of renewable sources, and what are the implications for system reliability and design?

Extended Essay Application

• An Extended research project could investigate the specific challenges and design opportunities for implementing a 100% renewable energy system in a local context, analyzing the most suitable renewable sources, storage solutions, and grid integration strategies.
• Another project could focus on the design of innovative energy storage technologies or sector coupling mechanisms that are critical for enabling a full transition to renewables.

Source

On the History and Future of 100% Renewable Energy Systems Research · IEEE Access · 2022 · 10.1109/access.2022.3193402