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New Study: Global Energy System based on 100% Renewable Energy

The new study by the Energy Watch Group and LUT University is the first of its kind to outline a 1.5°C scenario with a cost-effective, cross-sectoral, technology-rich global 100% renewable energy system that does not build on negative CO2 emission technologies. The scientific modelling study simulates a total global energy transition in the electricity, heat, transport and desalination sectors by 2050. It is based on four and a half years of research and analysis of data collection, as well as technical and financial modelling by 14 scientists. This proves that the transition to 100% renewable energy is economically competitive with the current fossil and nuclear-based system, and could reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the energy system to zero even before 2050.

“The report confirms that a transition to 100% renewables is possible across all sectors, and is no longer more expensive than the current energy system,” said Hans-Josef Fell, former Member of the German Parliament and President of the Energy Watch Group, in advance of the publication. “It shows that the whole world can make the transition to a zero emission energy system. That is why all political powers around the world can and should do much more to protect our climate than they currently envision.” Thanks to the developed model and the extensive existing database, EWG and LUT can now also develop national roadmaps for the transition to 100% renewables, tailored precisely for the individual countries’ respective context, Fell added.

“The study’s results show that all countries can and should accelerate the current Paris Climate Agreement targets,” said Dr Christian Breyer, Professor for Solar Economy at the Finnish LUT University. “A transition to 100% clean, renewable energies is highly realistic – even today, with the technologies currently available.”

Prof. Dr Claudia Kemfert, Head of the Department of Energy, Transport and the Environment at the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), highlighted the economic viability of renewable energies: “The study is an impressive demonstration that a transition to renewable energy sources worldwide is not only feasible, but also makes economic sense.” David Wortmann, initiator of the Eco Innovation Alliance and founding member of Entrepreneurs For Future also called on policy-makers to put in place innovation-friendly frameworks and emphasised that “for us, an economically profitable energy transition has long since ceased to be a myth”. Franziska Wessel from Fridays For Future also called on policy-makers to take immediate action: “This study shows what is possible if our politicians are willing to act. We – Fridays For Future – call for a completion of the transition to 100% renewables by 2035.”

The study concludes with political recommendations for a rapid integration of renewable energy and zero greenhouse gas emission technologies. Among the most important measures suggested by the report are promoting sector coupling, private investments (which should ideally be incentivised with fixed feed-in tariffs), tax breaks and legal privileges with simultaneous discontinuation of subsidies for coal and fossil fuels. According to the report, the transition to a global energy system based on 100% renewables can be achieved before 2050 if a strong policy framework is implemented.

Some key findings of the study:

  • The transition to 100% renewable energy requires comprehensive electrification in all energy sectors. The total electricity generation will be four to five times higher than electricity generation in 2015. Accordingly, electricity consumption in 2050 will account for more than 90% of the primary energy consumption. At the same time, consumption of fossil and nuclear energy resources in all sectors will cease completely.
  • The global primary energy generation in the 100% renewable energy system will consist of the following mix of energy sources: solar energy (69%), wind power (18%), hydropower (3%), bioenergy (6%) and geothermal energy (2%).
  • By 2050, wind and solar power will account for 96% of the total power supply of renewable energy sources. Renewable energies are produced virtually exclusively from decentralised local and regional generation.
  • 100% renewables are more cost-effective: The energy costs for a fully sustainable energy system will decrease from € 54/MWh in 2015 to € 53/MWh in 2050.
  • The transition in all sectors will reduce the annual greenhouse gas emissions in the energy sector continuously from roughly 30 GtCO2-eq. in 2015 to zero by 2050.
  • A 100%-renewable electricity system will employ 35 million people worldwide. The roughly 9 million jobs in the worldwide coal mining sector from 2015 will be phased out completely by 2050. They will be overcompensated by the over 15 million new jobs in the renewable energy sector.

 

About the Study
The simulation “Global Energy System based on 100% Renewable Energy”, co-funded by the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) and the Stiftung Mercator, comprises a state-of-the-art modeling, developed by LUT University and computes a cost-optimal mix of technologies based on locally available renewable energy sources. It determines the most cost-effective energy transition pathway for global energy supply on an hourly resolution for an entire reference year and structured in 145 regions. The global energy transition scenario is carried out in 5-year time periods from 2015 until 2050. The results are aggregated into nine major regions of the world: Europe, Eurasia, MENA, Sub-Saharan Africa, SAARC, Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, North America and South America.

About Energy Watch Group
Energy Watch Group (EWG) is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan global network of scientists and parliamentarians. EWG conducts research and publishes independent studies and analyses on global energy developments. The mission of the organization is to provide energy policy with objective information.

About LUT University
LUT University has pioneered as a science university combining technology and business since 1969. It has been recognised in international rankings as one of the world’s top universities. Clean energy and water, a circular economy and sustainable business are pivotal questions for humankind. LUT University applies its expertise in technology and business to seek solutions to these questions. LUT University strongly promotes entrepreneurship stemming from its scientific research. An example of this is the business accelerator Green Campus Open, which supports new spin-off companies that are based on LUT’s research. LUT’s international science community consists of 6500 students and experts. www.lut.fi/web/en/

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New Study: 100% Renewable Energy across Europe is More Cost Effective than the Current Energy System and Leads to Zero Emissions Before 2050

New scientific study models full energy transition across power, heat, and transport sectors

Katowice, Poland (December 11, 2018) – As climate discussions are underway among global leaders at COP24, the annual United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) conference, a new report released Tuesday showcases the feasibility of a European energy transition to 100% renewable sources. The new scientific study shows that the transition to 100% renewable energy will be economically competitive with today’s conventional fossil fuel and nuclear energy system, and lead greenhouse gas emissions to zero before 2050. The study’s financial case for an energy transition becomes even stronger when taking into account significant projected job growth and the indirect economic benefits for health, security, and the environment, that were not factored into the study.

Undertaken by LUT University and Energy Watch Group, the first-of-its-kind scientific modeling study has simulated a full energy transition in Europe across the power, heat, transport, and desalination sectors by 2050. The study’s publication came after approximately four and a half years of data collection, and technical and financial modeling under the research and analysis of 14 scientists.

“This report confirms that a transition to 100% renewable energy across all sectors is possible and not more expensive than today’s energy system,” said Hans-Josef Fell, former German parliamentarian and president of Energy Watch Group, during its COP24 press conference, “It demonstrates that Europe can switch to a zero-emission energy system. Therefore, European leaders can and should do much more for climate protection than what is currently on the table.”

 Some of the study’s key findings:

  • The transition will require mass electrification across all energy sectors. Total power generation will exceed four to five times that of 2015, with electricity constituting for more than 85% of primary energy demand in 2050. Simultaneously, fossil fuels and nuclear are phased out completely across all sectors.
  • Electricity generation in the 100% renewable energy system will consist of the following mix of power sources: solar PV (62%), wind (32%), hydropower (4%), bioenergy (2%) and geothermal energy (<1%).
  • Wind and solar make up 94% of total electricity supply by 2050, and approximately 85% of the renewable energy supply will come from decentralized local and regional generation.
  • 100% renewable energy is not more expensive: The levelised cost of energy for a fully sustainable energy system in Europe remains stable, ranging from 50-60 €/MWh through the transition.
  • Europe’s annual greenhouse gas emissions decline steadily through the transition, from approximately 4200 MtCO2 in 2015 to zero by 2050 across all sectors.
  • A 100% renewable power system will employ 3 to 3.5 million people. The approximate 800,000 jobs in the European coal industry of 2015 will be zeroed out by 2050, and will be overcompensated by more than 1.5-million new jobs in the renewable energy sector.

“The results of the study showcase that the current goals set forth under the Paris Agreement can and should be accelerated,” said Dr. Christian Breyer, professor for solar economy at Finland’s LUT University, “The transition to 100% clean, renewable energy is very realistic, right now, with the technology we have available today.”

The study concludes with policy recommendations to promote a swift uptake of renewable energy and zero-emission technology adoption. Primary measures promoted in the report include support of sector coupling, private investments, tax benefits, legal privileges, with a simultaneous phase out of coal and fossil fuel subsides. By implementing strong political frameworks, the report shows that a transition to 100% renewable energy can be realised even earlier than 2050.

Click here for key findings

The full study is available here.

A presentation summarising the study results is available here.

A detailed presentation on the study results is available here.

Supplementary data of the study is available here.

Press release also available in German, French, Spanish and Russian.

Media Contact: Charlotte Hornung / +49 (30) 609 898 810 / hornung(at)energywatchgroup.org

 

About the Study

Simulation of the energy transition in Europe is part of the study “Global Energy System based on 100% Renewable Energy”, co-funded by the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) and the Stiftung Mercator. State-of-the-art modeling, developed by LUT University, computes a cost-optimal mix of technologies based on locally available renewable energy sources for the world structured in 145 regions and determines a most cost-effective energy transition pathway for energy supply on an hourly resolution for an entire reference year. The global energy transition scenario is carried out in 5-year time periods from 2015 until 2050. The results are aggregated into nine major regions of the world: Europe, Eurasia, MENA, Sub-Saharan Africa, SAARC, Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, North America and South America.

About Energy Watch Group

Energy Watch Group (EWG) is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan global network of scientists and parliamentarians. EWG conducts research and publishes independent studies and analyses on global energy developments. The mission of the organization is to provide energy policy with objective information.

About LUT University

LUT University has pioneered as a science university combining technology and business since 1969. It has been recognised in international rankings as one of the world’s top universities.Clean energy and water, a circular economy and sustainable business are pivotal questions for humankind. LUT University applies its expertise in technology and business to seek solutions to these questions. LUT University strongly promotes entrepreneurship stemming from its scientific research. An example of this is the business accelerator Green Campus Open, which supports new spin-off companies that are based on LUT’s research. LUT’s international science community consists of 6500 students and experts. www.lut.fi/web/en/

New Study: Transition to 100% Renewable Energy in Europe

At COP24, LUT University and Energy Watch Group will present their new joint study

which shows that

A Rapid Transition to 100% Renewable Energy Across Europe is Possible
with Zero GHG Emissions from Power, Heat, Transport and Desalination Sectors before 2050

Join us on:

10.12. Monday, 13:30-15:00 in Pomorze Climate Action Room 1

Side-event of Energy Community: “Shifting to a low-carbon economy: Just transition pathways in the Energy Community and beyond”

Following an opening by Energy Community Director Janez Kopač, a top-level panel, including EWG President Hans Josef Fell, will discuss how to achieve a just energy transition. The event will be chaired by KR Foundation Board Chair Connie Hedegaard.

11.12. Tuesday, 11.30-13:00 in Pieniny Room

Side-event of REN Alliance: “Stronger Together: Showcasing Success of a Global 100% Renewable Energy System”

After a presentation of a new leading-edge study on 100% renewables in Europe across all energy sectors by EWG President Hans-Josef Fell, leading international renewable energy associations will discuss how to scale up this scenario worldwide.

11.12. Tuesday, 18:30-19:00 in Press-conference room “Katowice”

Official release of the study at press conference of CAN Europe, Energy Watch Group and LUT University

At the press conference, lead author of the study Prof. Dr. Christian Breyer of LUT University and EWG President Hans-Josef Fell will present the study results and discuss it with CAN Europe Director Wendel Trio.

Invitation

Lui Che Woo Honors Hans-Josef Fell’s Lifetime Achievements for a Global Transition Towards 100% Renewable Energy

Hong Kong (October 4, 2018) – Hans-Josef Fell, President of the Energy Watch Group (EWG) and former member of the German Parliament for the Alliance 90/the Greens was awarded the LUI Che Woo Prize, one of the most renowned awards worldwide, for his lifetime achievements.

The top-class international jury acknowledged the significance of the German Renewable Energy Act (EEG) and Hans-Josef Fell’s commitment as a politician and pioneer to the worldwide development of renewable energies. His work contributed greatly to climate protection as well as the technological and entrepreneurial development of renewable energy sources.

The prize of HK$20 million (around $2.56 million) aims to recognize and honor individuals or organizations all over the world with outstanding achievements and contributions in three categories: “sustainable development of the world”, “betterment of the welfare of mankind” and “promotion of positive life attitude and enhancement of positive energy”.

„The three laureates this year share the same vision with the LUI Che Woo Prize. They not only believe in making a better world, but also overcome difficulties with courage, wisdom, and selflessness. They are role models in their fields and have greatly contributed to the world; inspiring more people to participate and jointly create our future, “ Dr. Lui Che Woo, founder and chairman of the LUI Che Woo prize council, said at the award ceremony on October 3, in Hong Kong.

In his speech Hand-Josef Fell highlighted that humanity has the chance to stop global warming with the help of 100% clean renewable energy and clean carbon-reducing agriculture. Together with the Energy Watch Group and with a strong support of the LUI Che Woo Prize he plans to continue working towards reaching this goal.

In addition to his speech at the award ceremony, with nearly one thousand invited guests and representatives of the government in Beijing, Hans-Josef Fell held various talks including one with Hong Kong’s minister of the environment. In April 2018, Hong Kong for the first time introduced a feed-in rate for solar and wind power, taking an initial step towards renewable energies. Today renewable energy covers only 1% of Hong Kong’s energy demand.

Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor personally handed the prize to Hans-Josef Fell. She encouraged him to discuss and campaign for strong policies towards climate protection, clean air and renewables energies for Hong Kong, when talking to environment minister Wong Kam-sing.

The prize for promotion of positive life attitude and enhancement of positive energy was given to the Indian Pratham foundation. As one of the largest NGOs in the country, working with 10.000 teachers and educators, Pratham focuses on high-quality, low-cost interventions to address gaps in the education system. Pratham directly helps one million children attain basic literacy and numeracy annually.

The 2018 Welfare Betterment Prize was awarded to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). WMO sets worldwide standards and provides the framework for international cooperation leading to better monitoring, forecasting and communication of meteorological hazards on a global scale. Today, due to the work of WMO millions of people can be warned and safeguarded from extreme weather events.

About the Energy Watch Group

The Energy Watch Group (EWG) is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan global network of scientists and parliamentarians. The EWG conducts research and publishes independent studies and analyses on global energy developments. The mission of the organization is to provide energy policy with objective information. For more information, please visit www.energywatchgroup.org.

About the LUI Che Woo Prize

Founded by Dr. LUI Che Woo in 2015, the “LUI Che Woo Prize – Prize for World Civilization” is an annual, first of its kind, international cross-sector award for advancing world civilization and inspiring people to build a more harmonious world. It aims to recognize and honor individuals or organizations all over the world for outstanding contributions and encourages the continuation of that work in three objectives: sustainable development of the world, betterment of the welfare of mankind and promotion of positive life attitude and enhancement of positive energy. Each Prize is awarded to a single recipient (i.e. no sharing of a Prize), who can either be an individual or an organization. For more information, please visit: www.luiprize.org.

President of the Energy Watch Group, Hans-Josef Fell, to Receive the World’s Most Generous Civilization Prize

Fell to receive LUI Che Woo Prize Award for Sustainability

Berlin (August 24, 2018) – One of the most prestigious awards in the world, the LUI Che Woo Prize, was announced today to be awarded to Hans-Josef Fell, president of the Energy Watch Group and former German parliamentarian for the Green Party, in the category of sustainability. The LUI Che Woo Prize is awarded annually to three international laureates in recognition of their extraordinary efforts to overcome the most significant issues in the world.

“The goal of social achievement is to give back to society from which one has benefited and to promote a harmonious society and enhance world civilization,” said Dr. Lui Che Woo, founder and chairman of the Board of Governor cum Prize Council of the LUI Che Woo Prize. “This is my heartfelt wish.”

“Hans-Josef Fell has dedicated his life’s work to sustainable development and is internationally recognized as a founding figure of the global renewable energy movement. While the success of such a movement takes the collective effort of many people, it takes a trailblazer with an incredible amount of perseverance and dedication to turn the vision into a reality,” the Board of Governors cum Prize Council of the LUI Che Woo Prize explained.

Fell initiated Germany’s world-renowned feed-in-tariff program, co-authoring the country’s Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG). Together with Hermann Scheer of the Social Democratic Party, coalition partner at the time, Fell successfully promoted the political implementation of the Renewable Energy Sources Act in Germany. The EEG has since been replicated over 100 times around the globe. For the past two decades, Fell has been advising governments and parliaments globally and sharing his expertise all over the world on ways to accelerate a global clean energy transition.

As the president of the Energy Watch Group, Fell actively promotes a transition to 100 percent renewable energy worldwide. An international network of scientists and parliamentarians, the Energy Watch Group provides advice on legal frameworks for sustainable energy, analyzes global energy developments and commissions independent studies on energy and clean tech, many of which have received wide media, political, and scientific recognition around the world.

“It is my highest honor to receive the virtuous LUI Che Woo Prize award,” said Fell, “We are amidst one of the greatest challenges that humanity has faced, and this award serves as a testament to my service which will hopefully inspire future leaders of the world to nurture civilization.”

Fell will dedicate most of the award’s money to strengthening his continued work towards a sustainable and peaceful world. The money will be used for extensive scientific research and policy proposals to advise governments and parliaments on legal frameworks to turn a fossil and nuclear-based economy into a sustainable one, based on renewable energy and zero-emission technologies. “The Energy Watch Group is known for its great scientific and public policy work, but we have been working on a very small budget. The award will enable our growth and an even greater impact on the global transition towards 100 percent renewable energy supply and effective climate protection. Hopefully, this will also attract other individuals and organizations to support the work we have been doing so far,” Fell added.

The LUI Che Woo Prize honors individuals and organizations around the world for their selfless contributions to the continuation of work focused on three objectives: sustainable development of the world, betterment of the welfare of mankind, and the promotion of positive life attitude and enhancement of positive energy. A relatively new award, the Prize for World Civilization is unique to other awards by extending beyond the academic and scientific community, saluting the work of those dedicated to building a better world.

Contact for the media: Doreen Rietentiet, rietentiet(a)energywatchgroup.org

 

About the Energy Watch Group

The Energy Watch Group (EWG) is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan global network of scientists and parliamentarians. The EWG conducts research and publishes independent studies and analyses on global energy developments. The mission of the organization is to provide energy policy with objective information. For more information, please visit www.energywatchgroup.org.

About the LUI Che Woo Prize

Founded by Dr. LUI Che Woo in 2015, the “LUI Che Woo Prize – Prize for World Civilization” is an annual, first of its kind, international cross-sector award for advancing world civilization and inspiring people to build a more harmonious world. It aims to recognize and honor individuals or organizations all over the world for outstanding contributions and encourages the continuation of that work in three objectives: sustainable development of the world, betterment of the welfare of mankind and promotion of positive life attitude and enhancement of positive energy. Each Prize is awarded to a single recipient (i.e. no sharing of a Prize), who can either be an individual or an organization. For more information, please visit: www.luiprize.org.

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New European Nuclear Reactors Prove to Be A Financial and Technically Dangerous Disaster

March 20, 2018, Berlin – During his state visit to India, France’s President Macron agreed with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week to sell six French EPR reactors for the largest nuclear power plant planned in Jaitapur. Regardless of the fact that India has not yet signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The plutonium from the reactors could be completely used for the construction of nuclear weapons without international control. In terms of energy, too, all EPR construction projects in recent years are highly problematic.

The European Pressurized Reactor (EPR), proclaimed in the 1990s as a new impetus for the renaissance the European nuclear industry, proved to be a financial disaster, fulfilling none of the industry promises, a new brief by the Energy Watch Group shows.

The EPR construction sites in Flamanville (France), Olkiluoto (Finland) and Hinkley Point C (UK) are exemplary of the failed nuclear industry with no single EPR having been completed to date. All existing EPR projects are characterized by years of commissioning delays, grave technical and security problems and exploding construction costs of up to tens of billions Euros.

The further construction of these reactors was secured only by means of multi-billion Euro state rescue packages. As a result, nuclear companies, especially the French AREVA and EDF, are increasingly under pressure and risk of bankruptcy as it was in the case of the US-Japanese company Westinghouse.

“The promises of “inherently safe” EPR reactors did not materialize and turned into a heavy burden to European taxpayers. It is time to immediately end all new nuclear energy projects and phase-out the existing ones, ” President of the Energy Watch Group Hans-Josef Fell and co-author of the brief said. “Renewable energy sources are the safest and financially better solution today. There is no longer any single reason to rely on or invest in nuclear energy.”

“The security threats of the aging European nuclear reactor fleet are constantly increasing. The new generation of EPR reactors even worsens security and financial risks for the population. Old and new flaws are closely interwoven, as the nuclear triangle Fessenheim-Flamanville-Hinkley Point clearly shows”, Eva Stegen, independent energy consultant, working for the electricity provider EWS Schönau, and co-author of the brief said.

The Energy Watch Group brief “The disaster of the European nuclear industry” documents the following disastrous developments in the EPR construction sites and nuclear as a whole in the European Union:

  • As of today, none of the EPR construction projects in the EU was completed. The EPR reactor in Hinkley Point C (the UK), which was due to provide first electricity by Christmas 2017, was postponed until 2027. The EPR project in Flamanville (France), which was due in 2012, was postponed until 2020. The Olkiluoto site in Finland is over 12 years behind its initial schedule.
  • All EPR projects are characterized by massive cost overruns. The original cost estimates of 3 billion Euros have now more than tripled to about 10.5 billion Euros at Flamanville and 8.5 billion Euros at Olkiluoto.
  • As of today, EDF has accumulated a debt of 61 billion Euros and AREVA 10 billion Euros in debt. The French state had to grant AREVA 4.5 billion Euros as state aid, EDF could only be rescued by a 3 billion Euros capital increase.
  • By February 2013 the costs of nuclear clean up of the Sellafield site had amounted to nearly £ 70 billion. Every year about £1.6 billion are added on top.
  • An unpublished British government study has shown that wind and solar power would generate electricity at half the cost of the planned Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant.
  • The driving force behind the UK government’s affinity to nuclear technology is the cross-subsidization of the military nuclear program. A study by University of Sussex has proved in detail, what is openly communicated by the military, but vehemently denied by the energy sector: the maintenance of the civilian nuclear program is a financial relieve for the defence budget
  • The EPRs are far from being “inherently safe” as the industry claimed. Currently the technical problems of the EPR projects seem unresolvable. The serious flaws in the bottom and lid of the EPR reactor pressure vessel in Flamanville cannot guarantee its safe operation. EU research on the fourth generation of nuclear power plants is an indirect admission that there are currently no inherently safe reactors, not even the EPR.
  • Terrorist and cyber attacks on nuclear facilities become increasingly likely. Hinkley Point C appears to be relying on purely digital control technology for its reactor protection, which is significantly susceptible to failure and terrorist digital attacks.
  • Renewable energy technologies are much cheaper, faster to install and can provide safe and secure power. A recent study by the Energy Watch Group and Lappeenranta University of Technology proved that renewable energy and storage systems could cover the worldwide electricity demand, even without a base load.

 

Find the complete brief here in english, deutsch, français.

 

Press contact: Energy Watch Group, Tel: +49 30 609 898 810, presse©energywatchgroup.org

About the Energy Watch Group

The Energy Watch Group (EWG) is an independent, non-profit global network of scientists and parliamentarians. The EWG commissions research and independent studies and analyses on global energy developments.

Energy Watch Group and Ludwig Bölkow Foundation Join IRENA Coalition for Action

February 15, 2018, Berlin – The Ludwig Bölkow Foundation and Energy Watch Group have joined the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Coalition for Action, an international network of leading players in renewable energy, which aims to promote a faster and wider uptake of renewable energy technologies.

The Coalition for Action has more than 70 members including private companies, industry associations, civil society, research institutes and international organizations. The coalition is a key international network to discuss industry trends, share knowledge and exchange best practices for the global energy transformation.

„We are very proud to join forces with the IRENA Coalition for Action and are looking forward to joint action to ensure a swift and just global transition to renewable energy. As an active member of the working group „Towards 100% Renewable Energy Group“ we look forward to exchange of our expertise and know-how,“ President of Energy Watch Group Hans-Josef Fell said.

The Coalition for Action operates through a merger of business and investor focused groups, which work on removing barriers for large scale investments, community energy and corporate sourcing of renewables. Additionally communication working groups are creating joint communication campaigns about relevant renewable energy topics. Among members of the Coalition for Action are REN21, Rocky Mountain Institute, World Future Council, World Resources Institute, WWF, CAN International, Greenpeace and World Wind Energy Association.

Press contact: Energy Watch Group, Tel: +49 30 609 898 810, presse©energywatchgroup.org

About Energy Watch Group

Energy Watch Group (EWG) is an independent, non-profit global network of scientists and parliamentarians. The EWG commissions research and independent studies and analyses on global energy developments.

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100% Renewable Electricity Worldwide is Feasible and More Cost-Effective than the Existing System

A global transition to 100% renewable electricity is not a long-term vision, but already a tangible reality, a new groundbreaking study by the Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT) and the Energy Watch Group (EWG) shows. The study was presented on November 8, 2017 during the Global Renewable Energy Solutions Showcase event (GRESS) on the sidelines of the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP23 in Bonn.

The results of the study are revealing: A global electricity system fully based on renewable energy is feasible at every hour throughout the year and is more cost effective than the existing system, which is largely based on fossil fuels and nuclear energy.

Existing renewable energy potential and technologies, including storage can generate sufficient and secure power to cover the entire global electricity demand by 2050[1]. Total levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) on a global average for 100% renewable electricity in 2050 is €52/MWh (including curtailment, storage and some grid costs), compared to €70/MWh in 2015.

“A full decarbonization of the electricity system by 2050 is possible for lower system cost than today based on available technology. Energy transition is no longer a question of technical feasibility or economic viability, but of political will”, Christian Breyer, lead author of the study, LUT Professor of Solar Economy and Chairman of the EWG Scientific Board said.

A transition to 100% renewables would bring greenhouse gas emissions in the electricity sector down to zero and drastically reduce total losses in power generation. It would create 36 million jobs by 2050, 17 million more than today.

”There is no reason to invest one more Dollar in fossil or nuclear power production”, EWG President Hans-Josef Fell said. “Renewable energy provides cost-effective power supply. All plans for a further expansion of coal, nuclear, gas and oil have to be ceased. More investments need to be channeled in renewable energies and the necessary infrastructure for storage and grids. Everything else will lead to unnecessary costs and increasing global warming.”

The key findings of the study:

  • Existing renewable energy potential and technologies, including storage can generate sufficient and secure power to cover the entire global electricity demand by 2050. The world population is expected to grow from 7.3 to 9.7 billion. The global electricity demand for the power sector is set to increase from 24,310 TWh in 2015 to around 48,800 TWh by 2050.
  • Total levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) on a global average for 100% renewable electricity in 2050 is €52/MWh (including curtailment, storage and some grid costs), compared to €70/MWh in 2015.
  • Due to rapidly falling costs, solar PV and battery storage increasingly drive most of the electricity system, with solar PV reaching some 69%, wind energy 18%, hydropower 8% and bioenergy 2% of the total electricity mix in 2050 globally.
  • Wind energy increases to 32% by 2030. Beyond 2030 solar PV becomes more competitive. The solar PV supply share increases from 37% in 2030 to about 69% in 2050.
  • Batteries are the key supporting technology for solar PV. The storage output covers 31% of the total demand in 2050, 95% of which is covered by batteries alone. Battery storage provides mainly diurnal storage, and renewable energy based gas provides seasonal storage.
  • Global greenhouse gas emissions significantly reduce from about 11 GtCO2eqin 2015 to zero emissions by 2050 or earlier, as the total LCOE of the power system
  • The global energy transition to a 100% renewable electricity system creates 36 million jobs by 2050 in comparison to 19 million jobs in the 2015 electricity system.
  • The total losses in a 100% renewable electricity system are around 26% of the total electricity demand, compared to the current system in which about 58% of the primary energy input is lost.

The study “Global Energy System based on 100% Renewable Energy – Power Sector” will have major implications for policy makers and politicians around the world, as it refutes a frequently used argument by critics that renewables cannot provide full energy supply on an hourly basis.

The first of its art modeling, developed by LUT, computes the cost-optimal mix of technologies based on locally available renewable energy sources for the world structured in 145 regions and calculates the most cost-effective energy transition pathway for electricity supply on an hourly resolution for an entire reference year. The global energy transition scenario is carried out in 5-year time periods from 2015 until 2050. The results are aggregated into nine major regions of the world: Europe, Eurasia, MENA, Sub-Saharan Africa, SAARC, Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, North America and South America.

The study “Global Energy System based on 100% Renewable Energy – Power Sector” is co-funded by the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) and the Stiftung Mercator.

Click here for key findings and the executive summary

The full study is available here

A presentation summarising the global results and further links to regions and countries is available here

Press contact: Doreen Rietentiet, Energy Watch Group, Tel: +49 30 609 898 810, presse©energywatchgroup.org

About the Energy Watch Group

The Energy Watch Group (EWG) is an independent, non-profit global network of scientists and parliamentarians. The EWG commissions research and independent studies and analyses on global energy developments.

[1] The simulations of the global power sector in this study were made until 2050. Yet, with favorable political frameworks, the transition to 100% renewable energy can be realized earlier than 2050.

New Study: 100% Renewable Electricity Worldwide is Feasible and More Cost-Effective than the Existing System

November 8, 2017, Bonn – A global transition to 100% renewable electricity is not a long-term vision, but already a tangible reality, a new groundbreaking study by the Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT) and the Energy Watch Group (EWG) shows. The study was presented on November 8, 2017 during the Global Renewable Energy Solutions Showcase event (GRESS) on the sidelines of the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP23 in Bonn.

The results of the study are revealing: A global electricity system fully based on renewable energy is feasible at every hour throughout the year and is more cost effective than the existing system, which is largely based on fossil fuels and nuclear energy.

Existing renewable energy potential and technologies, including storage can generate sufficient and secure power to cover the entire global electricity demand by 2050[1]. Total levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) on a global average for 100% renewable electricity in 2050 is €52/MWh (including curtailment, storage and some grid costs), compared to €70/MWh in 2015.

“A full decarbonization of the electricity system by 2050 is possible for lower system cost than today based on available technology. Energy transition is no longer a question of technical feasibility or economic viability, but of political will”, Christian Breyer, lead author of the study, LUT Professor of Solar Economy and Chairman of the EWG Scientific Board said.

A transition to 100% renewables would bring greenhouse gas emissions in the electricity sector down to zero and drastically reduce total losses in power generation. It would create 36 million jobs by 2050, 17 million more than today.

”There is no reason to invest one more Dollar in fossil or nuclear power production”, EWG President Hans-Josef Fell said. “Renewable energy provides cost-effective power supply. All plans for a further expansion of coal, nuclear, gas and oil have to be ceased. More investments need to be channeled in renewable energies and the necessary infrastructure for storage and grids. Everything else will lead to unnecessary costs and increasing global warming.”

The key findings of the study:

  • Existing renewable energy potential and technologies, including storage can generate sufficient and secure power to cover the entire global electricity demand by 2050. The world population is expected to grow from 7.3 to 9.7 billion. The global electricity demand for the power sector is set to increase from 24,310 TWh in 2015 to around 48,800 TWh by 2050.
  • Total levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) on a global average for 100% renewable electricity in 2050 is €52/MWh (including curtailment, storage and some grid costs), compared to €70/MWh in 2015.
  • Due to rapidly falling costs, solar PV and battery storage increasingly drive most of the electricity system, with solar PV reaching some 69%, wind energy 18%, hydropower 8% and bioenergy 2% of the total electricity mix in 2050 globally.
  • Wind energy increases to 32% by 2030. Beyond 2030 solar PV becomes more competitive. The solar PV supply share increases from 37% in 2030 to about 69% in 2050.
  • Batteries are the key supporting technology for solar PV. The storage output covers 31% of the total demand in 2050, 95% of which is covered by batteries alone. Battery storage provides mainly diurnal storage, and renewable energy based gas provides seasonal storage.
  • Global greenhouse gas emissions significantly reduce from about 11 GtCO2eqin 2015 to zero emissions by 2050 or earlier, as the total LCOE of the power system
  • The global energy transition to a 100% renewable electricity system creates 36 million jobs by 2050 in comparison to 19 million jobs in the 2015 electricity system.
  • The total losses in a 100% renewable electricity system are around 26% of the total electricity demand, compared to the current system in which about 58% of the primary energy input is lost.

The study “Global Energy System based on 100% Renewable Energy – Power Sector” will have major implications for policy makers and politicians around the world, as it refutes a frequently used argument by critics that renewables cannot provide full energy supply on an hourly basis.

The first of its art modeling, developed by LUT, computes the cost-optimal mix of technologies based on locally available renewable energy sources for the world structured in 145 regions and calculates the most cost-effective energy transition pathway for electricity supply on an hourly resolution for an entire reference year. The global energy transition scenario is carried out in 5-year time periods from 2015 until 2050. The results are aggregated into nine major regions of the world: Europe, Eurasia, MENA, Sub-Saharan Africa, SAARC, Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, North America and South America.

The study “Global Energy System based on 100% Renewable Energy – Power Sector” is co-funded by the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) and the Stiftung Mercator.

Click here for key findings and the executive summary

The full study is available here

A presentation summarising the global results and further links to regions and countries is available here

Press contact: Charlotte Hornung, Energy Watch Group, Tel: +49 30 609 898 810, presse©energywatchgroup.org

About the Energy Watch Group

The Energy Watch Group (EWG) is an independent, non-profit global network of scientists and parliamentarians. The EWG commissions research and independent studies and analyses on global energy developments.

[1] The simulations of the global power sector in this study were made until 2050. Yet, with favorable political frameworks, the transition to 100% renewable energy can be realized earlier than 2050.