Doubling renewables in the global energy mix by 2030 is not only feasible, but cheaper than not doing so. Economic savings would far exceed the costs. It would create more jobs, boost economic growth and save millions of lives annually through reduced air pollution. It would also, when coupled with greater energy efficiency, put the world on track to keep the rise of temperatures within 2°C, in line with the 2015 Paris Agreement. But to meet that goal, renewable energy deployment must happen six times faster than current rates.
The second edition of IRENA’s global roadmap provides an in-depth perspective on the energy transition in 40 economies, representing 80% of global energy use. It offers concrete technology options and outlines solutions to accelerate renewable energy growth.
According to the report, the world can reach its sustainable energy and climate change objectives by doubling the share of renewable energy by 2030. Doubling the share of renewables is possible, costeffective and economically beneficial, even as global energy demand grows. Doing so is one of the main ways countries can meet their international climate-change targets, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals.
Key Findings
- The drop in oil prices over the past 18 months has not affected the prospects for renewables.
- The continued growth of renewables is driven by falling costs.
- Doubling the renewable energy share by 2030 will be easier if energy demand growth slows.
- Renewables, meanwhile, are essential to extend energy access to all
- Doubling the renewable energy share means accelerating the deployment of current technologies as well as investing in innovation.
- Doubling the renewable share is vital to achieve a carbonfree energy system in the next 50 years.
- Policies now in place would increase the renewable share in the global energy mix to only 21% by 2030.
- Global doubling does not imply doubling in every country
- While the outlook for renewables in the power sector is highly positive, advances in transport, heating and industry have been slower.
- Countries must accelerate their uptake of renewables in buildings, industry and transport without delay.
- Planning must start now to ensure the successful integration of variable renewable power.
- Limited deployment in some government projections stems from a lack of incentives for renewables in buildings and industry.
- Bioenergy will have to account for half of renewable energy use in 2030 for a high enough renewable share overall.
- For renewables other than bioenergy, the growth potential is even higher.
- If the steps outlined in this roadmap are followed, nearly half of global power generation will be renewable by 2030, compared to less than a quarter in 2015.
Find out more by reading the report
Source: IRENA
