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ROLE OF

RENEWABLES

IN ENERGY

TRANSITION

The World Economic Forum defines an effective energy transition as “a timely
transition towards a more inclusive, sustainable, affordable and secure energy

system that provides solutions to global energy‑related challenges, while
creating value for business and society, without compromising the balance of the
energy triangle” 1

s per Intergovernmental Panel on Climate In the following sections, the discussion on these two
Change (IPCC), United Nations body for assessing significant sectors focuses on how renewables can play
Athe science related to climate change; human a crucial role in the energy transition.
activity is likely responsible for about 1˚C of the global
warming above pre-industrial levels. They predict that Power Generation:
global warming is likely to reach 1.5˚C between 2030 Fossil fuels continue to negatively impact air, soil and
and 2052 if current activities continue . The carbon water pollution and contribute to direct CO emissions.
1
2
budget will get depleted in 10-17 years in order to limit Hence, renewable energy forms the critical component
2
global warming within 1.5 ˚C, with the current emission of a low carbon economy both in the generation and in
levels. Hence, there is an urgent need to limit CO the end-use application.
2
emissions.
Sustainability is one of the key drivers of the current
The power generation sector and transportation sector energy transition that the world is going through.
are the two main sectors which account for about 50% The energy sector is changing its landscape with
of the total CO emissions . Hence, these areas must more renewable generation share boding well for a
1
2
be looked at critically for implementing the energy sustainable future. Solar PV and Wind projects make
transition. However, it does not take away the required headlines world over for higher capacities and
attention from the remaining sectors such as iron record-low costs, making them the natural choice for
& steel, cement, heavy transportation, aviation and broader adoption, thus paving the way for a smoother
shipping, where solutions are still evolving. and a sustainable energy transition.

1 Fostering effective energy transition, 2020 edition, World Economic forum
2 World Economic Forum, Energy transition 101-Getting back to basics for transitioning
to a low carbon economy

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