Energy consulting firm Ecofys recently released a report explaining how it is possible to use only renewable energy by the year 2050. Here’s how it works:
First off, the scenario includes a 15% lower energy demand. This is due to the use of more energy-efficient technologies, buildings, and engines. Solar energy would supply about half of electricity and heating, and 15% of industrial heat and fuel. For this to happen, solar energy would have to grow at a slower rate than it is now.
The report also envisions growth in wind, hydro, and biomass power. Geothermal power would be expected to double.
Also, it is expected that buildings be built to more energy-efficient standards. This would need to be done at a rate of 2-3% of all buildings per year, something that Germany is already accomplishing.
This will have to start somehow, and Ecofys offers many options: minimum efficiency standards for all products, energy conservation in all product design stages, strict energy efficiency criteria for new buildings, an energy tax, help to undeveloped countries to pursue alternatives, public transportation expansion, and making everyone more aware of energy consumption.
Source: Team TreeHugger: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/03/100-percent-renewable-energy-by-2050-is-possible.php?campaign=th_rss_science
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