As the effects of climate change through more intense weather patterns and disasters become more apparent, a collective global shift away from fossil fuels (the industry making this problem a whole lot worse) is required. Nations grapple with the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions while the industry dreams of new innovative technologies and practices to fundamentally alter how we generate, distribute, and consume power. At the community level, transitioning to clean and renewable energy is more essential than ever, as our demand puts pressure on these global efforts.
Everyday people have power in their choices - in the home and in their lives - such as getting solar panels or choosing a renewable energy option from their energy provider. The more we all choose clean energy, the more we are shifting the whole energy production industry. But it's not all in our hands. Governments also play a role in keeping everyone up to date with new renewable energy advances, acknowledging and working through the growing pains of a renewable transition, and creating legislation and programs that help more people access and adopt clean energy.
Trends in Renewable Energy Tech
Renewable energy is evolving at an unpredictable pace as technological advancements continue to ramp up, offering greater efficiency and accessibility than ever before for the average person. Considering that the biggest obstacle to renewable energy is widespread adoption, it's likely we're seeing the start of a clean energy revolution. Between solar, wind, biofuel, and geothermal energies, a future free of fossil fuels is getting closer and closer.
Solar and Wind Power
Solar technology continues to progress, a new type of solar panel made with perovskite cells has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional silicon panels. With perovskite being cheaper to manufacture, panels at scale will be cheaper to produce and this creates lower prices, increasing the amount of people who are able to get solar panels on their roof.
Wind power complements solar energy by producing power during nights and overcast days when photovoltaic systems don't work as well. Taking advantage of stronger wind patterns in climates with less solar can help offset energy needs. Requiring less land on average than solar per unit of power generated, using a hybrid system of wind turbines and solar panels can help make renewables more feasible on larger scales.
Rise of Biofuels and Geothermal Energy
Corn-based biofuels (ethanol) and algae are gaining traction as sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels in the form of biodiesel. In contrast to first-generation biofuels derived from foods like wheat and corn, next-generation options mitigate costly water and land waste. While it has some way to go as a replacement for gasoline and diesel, as this 2021 study shows, further optimisation of each production step, from cultivation to harvest, shows great promise.
Geothermal energy is becoming popular as a stable, reliable source of power that can supplement intermittent solar and wind farms. For example, the United Downs Deep Geothermal Power Project in Cornwall, UK, uses EGS (Enhanced Geothermal Systems) to extract renewable energy when the site was previously considered unsuitable. With geothermal power on the table outside tectonic and volcanic zones, geothermal power is likely to make new waves in the next few years of renewable adoption.
Benefits of the Renewable Transition
Renewable energy is reshaping the way economics and the environment interact, fueling an explosion of economic growth as demand for these technologies skyrockets. Simultaneously, it's driving significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, with beneficial cascading effects on public health and ecosystem integrity.
Renewable and clean energy has a ways to go, but the use of renewables is already providing cost-effective energy solutions for developing nations, reducing the global carbon footprint, and supporting energy independence on a community and individual level, reducing our global dependence on fossil fuels.
Cost-Effective Energy Solutions for Developing Nations
Renewable technologies are becoming increasingly accessible to developing countries, helping to solve the previously exorbitant costs associated with infrastructure. Notably, off-grid solar systems and small-scale wind turbines make energy mobile and more affordable, bypassing the lack of infrastructure in remote rural regions while reducing fossil fuel dependence.
Kenya is an excellent example of using small-scale renewables to electrify undeveloped areas. Since 2013, Kenya has used solar, wind, geothermal, and hydroelectric power in an aggressive electrification program. Astonishingly, national electricity access rose from 32% to 84% in just over a decade.
Reducing Carbon Footprints on a Global Scale
As nations transition away from fossil fuels, researchers find that reducing their carbon footprint has beneficial side effects - improving air quality, public health, and local ecosystems. Countries leading in renewable adoption, such as Italy and Germany, demonstrate how aggressive carbon reduction targets can be met while maintaining economic stability. In Italy's case, they prioritised building a robust rail network, while Germany invested heavily in energy efficiency for machinery like cars and home appliances.
A Look at Local Renewable Adoption
Imagining local life transformed by renewables can be challenging, but there are real-life examples we can look to as a snapshot. Looking at community solar gardens like the one in Grong Grong, shared solar facilities allow multiple participants to benefit from a single solar installation. This approach helps to combat the lack of rooftop space, high upfront costs, and other barriers prohibiting renewable adoption for residents. In Australia and the United States, community solar gardens enable renters, low-income households, and small businesses to participate in the renewable energy market.
Advocating for Renewable Energy in your community
Effective advocacy is vital for several reasons: to influence decision-makers at the political level, convince industries that renewable energy is the future, and, of course, get the public on board with going renewable. The technology is making stellar progress, but that doesn't matter much if we can't get everyone on the same page with switching to clean energy.
Tips for Productive Discussion about the renewable energy transition
Engaging in productive discussions requires a nuanced approach to effectively communicate the benefits of renewable energy while empathising with the concerns of various demographics, from politicians, residents, industry figures, workers at large, and beyond.
Consider these strategies for more productive renewable policy discussions:
- Focus on the facts with data-driven arguments, highlighting economic benefits alongside environmental impacts.
- Emphasise major economic benefits like cost savings, job creation, and financial incentives.
- When addressing policymakers, framing renewable energy in terms of energy security, job creation, and long-term stability rather than purely environmental viewpoints.
- Address common misconceptions directly by countering scepticism with facts and successful case studies.
- And lastly when talking to your friends and family, your own experience is powerful - if you have gotten your energy bills down through energy efficiency or installed solar panels on your home, sharing the benefits you've received can help others to get on board.
Grassroots Community Support
Community-led projects, such as neighbourhood solar installations or energy-saving competitions, are social events that help your area reap the benefits of renewable energy while promoting a positive attitude about the switch from fossil fuels. To reach out to broader audiences, contact schools, local businesses, religious organisations, and civic associations to collaborate on co-sponsored sustainability events.
Renewable energy adoption is just as much a societal shift as a technological one. The path forward calls for a coordinated, informed effort to replace outdated and inefficient fossil fuel-based systems with more reliable renewable alternatives such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, biofuels, and more. What will continue to propel this renewable energy transition is increasing knowledge and creating easier access to renewable tech, be it for developing nations or families and households all around the world.
Guest blog written by Ainsley Lawrence
Ainsley Lawrence is a freelance writer who lives in the Northwest region of the United States. She has a particular interest in covering topics related to good health, balanced life, and better living through technology. When not writing, her free time is spent reading and researching to learn more about her cultural and environmental surroundings.
Header Image from Unsplash.