100% of the world’s energy from renewable sources by 2030 - it’s possible
Professor Mark Z. Jacobson of Stanford University and his colleague Mark Delucchi from UC Davis say that 100 % of the world’s energy needs can be met by renewable energy sources using existing technologies. Besides, shifting to a new energy infrastructure that relies solely on alternative energies is not only possible using existing technologies but also feasible from an economic viewpoint, according to the two researchers. Their research shows that the transition to such a new, green energy system is cheaper in the long run than sticking with our current energy mix.
Jacobson and Delucchi furthermore argue that if electricity generated from renewable energy sources were used to fulfill all energy needs ranging from driving to heating/cooling homes, illumination etc., global energy consumption could be one third lower in 2030 than otherwise.
Jacobson of Stanford University said, “If you make this transition to renewables and electricity, then you eliminate the need for 13,000 new or existing coal plants.”
This new piece of research shows the feasibility of the transition to a new system of energy generation and consumption. The transition can be carried out immediately, using existing technologies. Even though it will be expensive, inaction is no good alternative. The continuation of our heavy reliance on imported oil and other environmentally risky fossil fuels is patently unsustainable. Next to the environmental costs of tolerating a steady increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the adverse economic and national security consequences of today’s fossil fuel energy system are costly.
Solar, wind and marine energy are abundant, environmentally friendly, economically feasible and strategically important to a steady supply of safe, affordable, clean energy.
http://news.stanford.edu/news/2009/october19/jacobson-energy-study-102009.html
