The myth of low carbon and renewable energy sources not being able to supply the majority, if not all, the developed world’s electricity requirements in the near future is being busted almost weekly in recent months.
In February this year, we reported on Beyond Zero Emissions’ costed, detailed blueprint for a transition to 100 per cent renewable energy in ten years in Australia using proven, commercialised technology.
In March, a report from Siemens stated a 30 x 30 km solar farm in central Australia would meet the national electricity demand during daylight hours and allow Australia to become an exporter of clean electricity.
In another initiative, "Australia 2050: Clean Energy Superpower," DESERTEC-Australia proposes that over the next decade, Australia retires coal-fired power generation and replaces it with natural gas power and renewable energy sources , with view to the country running on 100% renewables by 2050.
Overseas, a March study from PricewaterhouseCoopers states the most recent economic models show that the short-term costs of transforming Europe’s power system to 100% renewable energy may not be as large as previously thought.
Another Europe study released yesterday called Roadmap 2050 provides what it says is a practical, independent and objective analysis of pathways to achieve a low-carbon economy in Europe, in line with the energy security, environmental and economic goals of the European Union. The study claims that by 2050, Europe could achieve an economy-wide reduction of GHG emissions of at least 80% compared to 1990 levels.
Even China, the factory of the developed world, expects low carbon energy sources will account for more than a quarter of the nations electricity supply by the end of 2010.
The question no longer seems if a shift to 100% low carbon and renewable energy sources can feasibly happen soon, but more one of if enough political will is present to make it happen.
