Low-cost renewable electricity as the key driver of the global energy transition towards sustainability
2021/03/24 by Dmitrii Bogdanov, Manish Ram, Arman Aghahosseini +11 · 1 voice · 61 citations
Energy · Engineering · Environmental Science · #Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems #Integrated Energy Systems Optimization #Water-Energy-Food Nexus Studies
paper · doi:10.1016/j.energy.2021.120467
openalex publication_date 2021/03/24 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/31
Abstract
Climate change threats and the necessity to achieve global Sustainable Development Goals demand unprecedented economic and social shifts around the world, including a fundamental transformation of the global energy system. An energy transition is underway in most regions, predominantly in the power sector. This research highlights the technical feasibility and economic viability of 100% renewable energy systems including the power, heat, transport and desalination sectors. It presents a technology-rich, multi-sectoral, multi-regional and cost-optimal global energy transition pathway for 145 regional energy systems sectionalised into nine major regions of the world. This 1.5 °C target compatible scenario with rapid direct and indirect electrification via Power-to-X processes and massive defossilisation indicates substantial benefits: 50% energy savings, universal access to fresh water and low-cost energy supply. It also provides an energy transition pathway that could lead from the current fossil-based system to an affordable, efficient, sustainable and secure energy future for the world.
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