Renewable Energy Transition: A Panacea to the Ravaging Effects of Climate Change in Nigeria

On 4 November 2016, the historic Paris Climate Agreement of the United Nations entered into force, requiring signatory countries to maintain global warming at the level of 1.5–2 °C. According to the calculations of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), to achieve this goal, a 2/3 reduction in greenhouse gas energy emissions into the atmosphere compared with gaseous energy-related emissions in 2019 (33.3 Gt) by about 2050 (1.5 °C) or by 2070 (2 °C) is required. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), this is only possible with the implementation of a great energy transition from the use of currently dominant fossil hydrocarbon fuels—coal, oil, and natural gas—to the predominant use of renewable energy sources (RES) by 2040–2050, when the share of renewable energy in the total energy balance will reach 40% and above. In this work, mathematical description of an upcoming energy transition has been carried out, including long-term scenario writing of the world’s demographic dynamics and global energy demand, calculation of the dynamics of industrial CO2 emissions and CO2 accumulation in the Earth’s atmosphere, as well as the corresponding changes in the average global temperature of the Earth’s surface in the 21st century. A mathematical description of the impact of energy consumption on climate change was carried out taking into account long-term trends in the dynamics of energy consumption. Using the performed mathematically-oriented scenario writing, it is suggested that a great energy transition with the achievement of the goals of the Paris Agreement is possible only by 2060. Renewable energy could sufficiently displace and replace hydrocarbon fuels to achieve climate safety without compromising economic development. As a result, humanity will receive an environmentally friendly decentralized distributed energy system, connected by «smart» grids, controlled by intelligent digital technologies.

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Legal Provisions and Market Conditions for Energy Communities in Austria, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, and Turkey: A Comparative Assessment

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su132011212 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (20) ◽

pp. 11212

Author(s):

Mehmet Efe Biresselioglu ◽

Siyami Alp Limoncuoglu ◽

Muhittin Hakan Demir ◽

Johannes Reichl ◽

Katrin Burgstaller ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Renewable Energy ◽

Social Acceptance ◽

Energy Transition ◽

Active Role ◽

Energy System ◽

The European Union ◽

Horizon 2020 ◽

Legal Provisions ◽

The Eu

The Climate Pact and the European Green Deal constitute the main components of the European Union (EU)’s climate change policy. Energy transition, that is, transformation to a zero-carbon global energy system, is one of the main pillars of climate change mitigation policies. This transformation, coupled with the empowerment of individuals within the energy system, shifts citizens from their roles as customers towards a more active role. Within this framework, energy communities stand out as significant facilitators for the participation of individuals and communities in the energy system, promoting self-consumption and contributing to the social acceptance of renewable energy initiatives, among other direct and indirect benefits. The main directives introducing energy communities into the EU legal system are RED II and ED 2019. This study, conducted as a part of a Horizon 2020-funded eCREW project, assessed the adaptability and implementability of these two directives within national legislation, along with the associated legal and administrative frameworks, utilizing evidence from Austria, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, and Turkey. The comparative analysis also enhances the understanding of the concept of renewable energy communities and citizen energy communities, both in the EU and in nonmember countries. The results of the analysis revealed that none of the countries studied had yet completed the process of harmonizing their legislation concerning energy communities.

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Risks of switching to renewable energy sources

SHS Web of Conferences ◽

10.1051/shsconf/202110101010 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 101 ◽

pp. 01010

Author(s):

E.S. Romanova ◽

A.A. Masalkova

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Renewable Energy ◽

Fossil Fuels ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Renewable Energy Sources ◽

Research Work ◽

Energy Transition ◽

Energy Sources ◽

International Treaties ◽

Carbon Dioxide Co2

This research work is devoted to the issue of studying the key risks of switching to renewable energy sources. The relevance of the topic of work is determined by the fact that, according to climatologists [5], climate change, which has a negative impact on the environment, is caused by the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2). For this reason, measures to prevent or reduce greenhouse gas emissions are at the heart of the energy transition. International treaties such as the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement lay the foundations for global action to combat climate change and implement a fourth energy transition. The energy transition is characterized by a number of incentives and barriers. Despite the fact that there are many scenarios for the development of the global energy sector by 2050, the expected transformations of the energy market lead to a significant redistribution of the ratio of the shares of hydrocarbon sources and renewable energy sources [16]. The trend towards fossil fuels is on the rise. These transformations in the market are determined not only by the climate agenda, but also by the concept of sustainable economic development.

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Barriers and Drivers of Renewable Energy Penetration in Rural Areas

Energies ◽

10.3390/en14206452 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (20) ◽

pp. 6452

Author(s):

Dalia Streimikiene ◽

Tomas Baležentis ◽

Artiom Volkov ◽

Mangirdas Morkūnas ◽

Agnė Žičkienė ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Renewable Energy ◽

Rural Communities ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Climate Change Mitigation ◽

Energy Systems ◽

Energy Transition ◽

Low Carbon ◽

Low Carbon Energy ◽

Change Mitigation

The paper deals with the exposition of the main barriers and drivers of renewable energy usage in rural communities. Climate change mitigation is causing governments, policymakers, and international organizations worldwide to embark on policies, leading to increased use of renewable energy sources and improvement of energy efficiency. Climate change mitigation actions, including the Green Deal strategy in the EU, require satisfying the expanding energy demand and complying with the environmental restrictions. At the same time, the prevailing market structure and infrastructure relevant to the energy systems are undergoing a crucial transformation. Specifically, there has been a shift from centralized to more decentralized and interactive energy systems that are accompanied by a low-carbon energy transition. Smart Grid technology and other innovations in the area of renewable energy microgeneration technologies have enabled changes in terms of the roles of energy users: they can act as prosumers that are producing and consuming energy at the same time. Renewable energy generation that is allowing for deeper involvement of the citizens may render higher social acceptance, which, in turn, fuels the low-carbon energy transition. The collective energy prosumption in the form of energy cooperatives has become a widespread form of renewable energy initiatives in rural communities. Even though renewable energy consumption provides a lot of benefits and opportunities for rural communities, the fast penetration of renewables and energy prosumption encounter several important barriers in the rural areas. This paper analyses the main barriers and drivers of renewable energy initiatives in rural areas and provides policy implications for the low-carbon energy transition in rural areas.

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Renewable energy and adaptation to climate change

Western Balkan Journal of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development ◽

10.5937/wbjae2102111s ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

pp. 111-121

Author(s):

Marta Stoian

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Sustainable Development ◽

Renewable Energy ◽

Energy Transition ◽

Clean Energy ◽

Energy System ◽

Adaptation To Climate Change ◽

Current Climate ◽

Holistic Understanding ◽

The Impact

Climate change is an unprecedented challenge in human history. It requires further immediate and concerted action. Understanding the stage of development of each energy resource, as the impact on the energy system to make informed decisions and prescribe a healthy energy future has thus become a priority. Decisions such as the phasing out of fossil fuels and the transition to an efficient and 100% renewable energy system, as well as increasing the storage capacity of greenhouse gases using environmentally sustainable approaches, maintaining natural ecosystems that generate environmental services, and restoring the degraded ones are now a top issue. Therefore, the relationship between energy and environmental policy is becoming essential. Accordingly, this paper will focus on the transition to renewable energy, the adaptation to climate change and the energy transition at EU level being strenuously debated, in order to build a holistic context of the actual situation. Adaptation to climate change requests a complex scientific study, given the diversity of uncertainties involved, and the interconnections between different areas, such as agriculture, sustainable development or energy industry. Therefore, the aim of research is to provide holistic understanding of the current climate issues, according to the mentioned fields. In this context, it is emphasized the benefits of clean energy by investigating the methods for achieving a prolific energy transition, from a conventional to a sustainable one. Carefully analysing the commitments and the transition to a low-carbon electricity system looking behind the causes and studying closely the underlying elements of all these topics, using the qualitative research method as a basis to indulge in further analysis and research, it was outlined a detailed analysis of the current climate context. In conclusion, the effect of the pressure brought into play by human exploitation of goods and services on the ecosystems was associated with the ongoing concerns of environmental degradation, climatic variations, natural and ecological distortions, and financial setbacks. Taking into account the drive toward accomplishing sustainable development and environmental quality, powerful policies are being implemented, but given the variety of investment conditions in each country and including the different characteristics of the financial markets, there is no unique solution that works for everybody. Therefore, the transition to a more sustainable energy system has a verity of implications but it is an essential condition for sustainable development.

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Optimal energy mix for greenhouse gas reduction with renewable energy – The case of the South Korean electricity sector

Energy & Environment ◽

10.1177/0958305x19882419 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 31 (6) ◽

pp. 1055-1076

Author(s):

Sungheum Cho ◽

Hana Kim ◽

Sanghoon Lee ◽

Sangil Kim ◽

Eui-Chan Jeon

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Power Generation ◽

Renewable Energy ◽

Greenhouse Gas ◽

Energy Policy ◽

Energy Transition ◽

The South ◽

South Korean ◽

Greenhouse Gas Reduction ◽

Generation Structure

The power generation sector is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in South Korea. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions in this sector is therefore of crucial importance. The government has recently released its core energy policy objectives: elimination of coal-fired power generation, phase-out of nuclear plants, and promotion of renewable energy sources. This energy policy should be consistent with the national climate change response policy. This paper analyzed the optimum power generation structure based on the South Korean government’s energy policy and climate change policy and then analyzed the optimum power generation structure if the greenhouse gas reduction and renewable energy targets were different. Seven scenarios with different 2030 greenhouse gas reduction and renewable energy generation targets were investigated. The scenario analysis shows that it is difficult to reduce dependence on coal power generation if the South Korean government’s current energy and climate change policies are maintained. The current greenhouse gas reduction target level is insufficient to be a driving force for energy transition, but dependence on coal power generation can be reduced by applying a deeper level of greenhouse gas reduction (e.g. 50% reduction compared to BAU). To achieve the energy transition planned by the South Korean government, it would be necessary to set a target for greenhouse gas reduction that is deeper than the current plan. The results of this study analyzing the optimal power configuration for 2030 in light of South Korea’s energy and climate change policies are expected to contribute to the South Korean government’s establishment of policies in the future.

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Analysis on the Development of German Renewable Energy by Interdependency Theory

E3S Web of Conferences ◽

10.1051/e3sconf/202124104002 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 241 ◽

pp. 04002

Author(s):

Yang Mei

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Renewable Energy ◽

Structural Change ◽

Energy Transition ◽

Energy System ◽

The Other ◽

International Negotiation ◽

The Face ◽

New Perspective ◽

The One

In the face of climate change, it is urgent to transform the energy system. Germany has played an important role in the development of renewable energy. Hence, it is necessary to figure out why Germany makes structural change in its energy sector in order to have a better understand on the current situation and the future development of renewable energy. Adopting the theory of interdependence, this paper analyzes the motivation of Germany’s energy transition. It demonstrates that Germany on the one hand endeavors to reduce its energy dependence on other countries and increase other countries’ dependence on it in the field of renewable energy, on the other hand. Thereby Germany would get more advantage in international negotiation and competition. This paper reveals the principle of interdependence in energy transition, which provides a new perspective to discuss the politics of climate change.

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What Position Should Indonesia Have in Placing Its Renewable Energy Development and Energy Transition Plan?

Bappenas Working Papers ◽

10.47266/bwp.v4i2.100 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 239-254

Author(s):

Hanan Nugroho ◽

Dedi Rustandi ◽

Nur Laila Widyastuti

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Renewable Energy ◽

Global Climate Change ◽

Fossil Fuels ◽

Global Climate ◽

Energy Transition ◽

Energy Development ◽

Renewable Energy Development ◽

Energy Environment ◽

Renewable Energy Law

Indonesia’s energy face a situation of giddiness in deciding a transition that requires a much larger use of renewable energy, as the country is basically a fossil fuels one but in the other side it is demanded to contribute a bigger role in efforts to mitigate global climate change. Development of Indonesia's energy-environment policies, particularly on renewable energy is highlighted. International agreements on global climate change and Indonesia's participation are described. Foundations of the successful renewable energy development are emphasized. It recommends publishing a renewable energy law, establish regulation regarding renewable energy pricing, develop a carbon pricing system, establish organizational unit regarding energy-climate change, develop renewable energy technology, improve data quality dan grid intrconnection, implement energy conservation, encourage development of REBID and REBED.

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Unlocking Opportunities in Renewable Energy Technologies in Africa: The Role of Development Financial Institutions

Journal of Sustainable Development Law and Policy (The) ◽

10.4314/jsdlp.v12i1.5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 92-110

Author(s):

Oluwaseun Viyon Ojo

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Renewable Energy ◽

Financial Institutions ◽

Energy Transition ◽

Clean Energy ◽

Global Energy ◽

Renewable Energy Technologies ◽

Energy Technologies ◽

The Impact

Climate change and global warming are undeniably undermining global development with developing or emerging economies being the worse hit in this unfortunate development. In recent times, it has become necessary to adopt effective adaptation measures that mitigate the impact of climate change on the social, political, and economic environment. A global shift to low-carbon energy technologies through the gradual integration of renewable energy resources in the global energy mix has been generally proposed. Whilst legal and regulatory initiatives are indeed crucial in driving this global energy transition, it is equally imperative that the necessary capital is unlocked to finance the construction, development, and expansion of renewable energy projects in Africa. This paper focused on examining the impact of renewable energy technologies on climate change mitigation, and analysed the role of Development Financial Institutions (DFIs) in unlocking the vast opportunities associated with renewable energy technologies or projects, with a view to driving the clean energy transition in Africa.

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Barriers for Renewable Energy Technologies Diffusion: Empirical Evidence from Finland and Poland

Energies ◽

10.3390/en15020527 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 15 (2) ◽

pp. 527

Author(s):

Oskar Juszczyk ◽

Juliusz Juszczyk ◽

Sławomir Juszczyk ◽

Josu Takala

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Renewable Energy ◽

Critical Role ◽

Ghg Emissions ◽

Energy Transition ◽

Energy Policies ◽

Ample Evidence ◽

Sustainable Solutions ◽

Renewable Energy Technologies ◽

Energy Technologies

A harmful impact of climate change and global warming has concerned various sectors of the international community. Numerous energy policies aiming at climate change mitigation have been implemented on a national and global scale. Renewable energy technologies (RETs) play a critical role in enhancing sustainable solutions that significantly limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Such innovative technologies can facilitate energy transition through providing, e.g., energy security, sustainable development, and effective usage of indigenous resources. However, the commercialization of RETs is extremely challenging. The barriers can be of a different nature, although this study focused on socioeconomic and regulatory issues. There is ample evidence that energy policies play a central role in supporting adoption of renewables. It is also claimed that RETs require the whole ecosystem to support their successful diffusion. In this study, we explored multifarious barriers for widespread RET diffusion in two European Union countries, Finland and Poland, indicating the most common barriers existing in the literature as well as analyzing major bottlenecks from the viewpoint of renewable energy companies’ executives. We also present statistics of the most commonly used RETs in these countries in order to express the diffusion issues more appropriately. The research shows that inflexible, ineffective, and excessive regulatory frameworks; limited financing options; as well as an insufficient level of societal awareness have been seen as the main bottlenecks for RET diffusion in both countries. The outcomes of this study provide useful insights for the researchers in the energy transition field as well as practical managerial and regulatory implications aimed at overcoming these challenges.

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