The Global Transition to Renewable Energy

Unstoppable Momentum: The Global Transition to Renewable Energy

A recent report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), a global energy watchdog, highlights an “unstoppable” global shift toward renewable energy. However, the report also highlights that the reduction of fossil fuels is lagging.

In a world grappling with climate change, the shift towards renewable energy sources has thankfully gained momentum and the IEA’s recently released report sheds light on this transformative journey.

Renewables on the Rise

In the report, the IEA predicts that by 2030, renewables will account for half of the world’s electricity generation. Solar panels, wind turbines, and hydropower plants are becoming integral components of our energy mix. While the pace of this transition is no doubt positive, it is essential to recognize the challenges that lie ahead.

What about current emissions?

Despite progress, greenhouse gas emissions remain alarmingly high. The report emphasizes that we must curb emissions to prevent global temperatures from surpassing the critical 1.5°C threshold. Fossil fuels continue to contribute significantly to these emissions.

We need to realign our investments.

The IEA’s call to action is clear: we must cut fossil fuel investments in half. While oil and gas play essential roles in our economy, their overreliance poses risks. Governments, companies, and investors must rally behind clean energy transitions rather than hinder them. It is clear that while oil and gas persist, maintaining investment at current levels is unsustainable.

What are the positive points in the report?

According to the report, the growth in clean energy and technologies was "impressive".

1. The growth of EVs is impressive. In 2020, only one in 25 cars sold was electric, now, it’s one in five. The transition to clean energy is unstoppable.
2. Heat pumps are alternatives to gas boilers, and they are gaining traction, supporting consumers’ shift towards cleaner heating solutions.

"The transition to clean energy is happening worldwide and it's unstoppable. It's not a question of 'if', it's just a matter of 'how soon' - and the sooner the better for all of us," said International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol.

A Call for Responsible Choices

The report called for responsible choices emphasising that governments’ decisions matter. Claims that oil and gas are secure choices for our energy future are weakening. Opening new oil fields without considering climate impact contradicts our commitment to combatting global warming.

The way forward is to recommit and align with net-zero goals. It is also crucial to accept that Our reliance on fossil fuels puts us on track for a 2.4°C temperature rise by 2100—far from our 2015 pledge of staying below 2°C.

There is no doubt that we are in a race against time and the IEA report has only highlighted this. The need to prioritise clean energy investments is now.

One of the popular choices that can help with these decisions is Solar PV systems. They not only contribute towards decreasing your carbon emissions but in the long run, increase the value of your property, while decreasing energy costs. Furthermore, Solar PVs have a long lifespan, which makes them a great choice for homes and businesses.

Moreover, installing solar panels can enhance your property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. EPC ratings evaluate a building’s energy efficiency, ranging from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), considering factors like insulation, heating, and lighting.

What better way to reduce your carbon footprint than installing solar panels and using the clean and unending energy provided by the Sun, and you can get financing help from the government to do so.

With HSB Renewables you can be assured of tailored advice on effective energy-saving measures for both homes and businesses. We are a leading supplier of carbon-reducing renewable energy and energy-saving technologies. Our accredited team supports you throughout the process, including facilitating access to government funding and grants where applicable.

Situated in Deeside, our accredited installers serve customers across the Northwest, delivering top-quality installations with superior workmanship and cutting-edge products including top quality batteries.