In the wake of COP24, an annual climate conference, Hans-Josef Fell presented the results of four-and-a-half years work in economical analysis of renewable energy, a first-of-its-kind study modelling a total conversion of energy sources in electricity, heating and transportation by 2050. By the terms of the study, all of Europe's need for energy should be covered every hour of all year. A study of the global situation is due to be published in 2019.
Research conducted by the Energy Watch Group in cooperation with the finnish university LUT show that a move to 100% renewable energy sources is ready for economical competition with the current conventional fossile-nuclear system while reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 0 before the year 2050. Renewable energy sources also provide economic benefits when considering overall employment situation.
Dear reader, please consider that this study covers the european situation but, in terms of scaling, can be applied to other major nations, too. Think of Russia, China, India and the United States: These countries, together with the European Union, represent pretty much exactly 50% of the world's population while accounting for significantly more of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. Any change for the better in these nations rewards us with the triple overall result!
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Applying the findings of this study to developing countries means they can skip one step of technical developments and push straight for renewables to be on par and even superior to the countries named above; eventually becoming providers of knowledge and skilled labour.
KEY FINDINGS are that a move to 100% renewable energy in all major sectors is possible and does not incur additional cost over the current energy supply system by 2050. The study shows that all of Europe may be supplied with renewable energy. Thus, european governments should push a move.
Moving towards 100% renewable energy requires electrifying all sectors of energy usage, with total electricity production and consumption rising to the four- or fivefold of 2015 levels while adopting electricity-saving technologies in lighting and heating. By 2050, more than 85% of europe's primary energy demand are covered by electricity and 0% being covery by fossile or nuclear fuels.
Electricity production in a 100% renewable-model is sourced 62% solar power, 32% wind, 4% water, 2% biomass and less than 1% geothermic. About 85% of all will be produced locally or regionally by 2050.
A conversion to 100% renewable energy is not more expensive: electricity prices will be stable around €50-60 ($44-52) per Megawatthour.
Annual emissions of greenhouse gas in Europe will reduce from 4.200.000.000 tons of CO2-equivalents in 2015 to 0 by 2050. Yes, that's 120.000.000 tons less every year.
An energy system based on 100% renewables may employ between 3 to 3.5 million people. Employment in coal production reduces from 800.000 to 0, this is compensated double by about 1.5 million new employment options in the renewable energy sector.
SUMMARY
The findings show that it is beneficial to the world's climate and overall employment levels to push for adopting UN millenium and current Paris climate goals before 2050, switching europe's energy system to 100% sustainable sources is possible now with existing technology.
To assist overall adoption of these technologies, it may be beneficial on the political level to assist in cross-linking sectors, offer benefits to private investors, supply tax privileges while reducing public support of fossile fuels. Thus, reaching the goal of 100% renewable energy before 2050.
