Renewable Energy Transition
Humanity stands at a pivotal moment in energy history. The transition to renewable power systems is one of the most achievable paths to address climate stability, energy security, and economic prosperity at once. In 2024 the world added a record 585 GW of renewable capacity – over 90% of all new power additions – lifting total installed renewables to ~4.45 TW by year-end.[1] Technologies ranging from proven solar and wind to promising space-based solar power show that complete energy transformation is technically feasible and increasingly economical. This article outlines how to accelerate the transition, what ideal solutions could look like, and how individuals can contribute.
The Problem
Energy systems remain heavily dependent on fossil fuels, driving atmospheric carbon accumulation and climate disruption. To align with climate pathways, global renewable capacity must roughly triple by 2030 (to ~11.2 TW), yet current momentum and investment still fall short of what’s needed.[2]
Possible Solutions
Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP)
Orbital solar arrays collect sunlight above the atmosphere and can beam energy to ground receiving stations nearly around the clock, offering far higher effective capacity factors than terrestrial PV.[3]
Concept rationale: Operation without weather or night boosts energy yield per unit of array area; successful in-space wireless power transmission was demonstrated in 2023, validating core feasibility of the beaming concept.[4]
Possible path to achieve: Continued drops in launch and satellite manufacturing costs, high-efficiency PV and power-beaming hardware, and clear spectrum/orbital governance could target pilot systems late 2020s and commercial deployments in the 2030s, with levelized electricity costs potentially competitive with firm low-carbon options as technologies mature.[5]
Advanced Terrestrial Solar (Perovskite–Silicon Tandems)
Next-gen tandem PV stacks capture a broader spectrum and are moving from lab to factory. In 2025 LONGi reported a certified 34.85% efficiency record for a two-terminal tandem cell – a major step toward high-efficiency commercial modules.[6]
Possible path to achieve: Scaling requires durable materials (25-year lifetimes), diversified supply chains, and streamlined interconnection/permitting. Finance models (e.g., solar-as-a-service) can expand rooftop adoption.
Offshore Wind (Incl. Floating)
Offshore wind provides higher, steadier winds and large resource potential; floating platforms unlock deep-water sites beyond shallow shelves. The industry installed a record 117 GW of wind (onshore+offshore) in 2024, with total wind capacity surpassing 1.1 TW; offshore capacity reached ~83 GW with 48 GW under construction by mid-2025.[7][8][9]
Possible path to achieve: Scale specialized floating substructures and ports, expand HVDC export cables, streamline environmental reviews while safeguarding ecosystems, and grow a skilled offshore workforce.
Enhanced & Superhot-Rock Geothermal
Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) can create engineered reservoirs where natural hydrothermal resources are lacking; superhot-rock concepts tap 400–500°C rock at depth for high-enthalpy baseload power almost anywhere.[10][11]
Concept rationale: Emerging millimeter-wave “gyrotron” drilling (e.g., Quaise) aims to reach 10–20 km much faster than conventional drilling, opening vast new geothermal resource potential if technical milestones are met.[12]
Possible path to achieve: Targeted R&D, induced-seismicity monitoring frameworks, subsurface rights clarity, insurance mechanisms, and large-scale demonstrations through the early 2030s.
Grid-Scale Energy Storage Portfolio
Storage converts variable generation into firm, dispatchable supply across seconds-to-seasonal timescales (batteries, pumped hydro, hydrogen, etc.). Global battery pack prices fell ~20% in 2024 to a record low ~$115/kWh, accelerating adoption across EVs and stationary storage.[13] The IEA calls for a six-fold expansion of global energy storage to ~1,500 GW by 2030 to integrate high shares of renewables.[14]
Possible path to achieve: Rapid manufacturing scale-up (including sodium-ion), doubling pumped-hydro pipelines, and bankable market designs for long-duration storage, aligned with transmission build-out.
AI-Optimized Smart Grids & Virtual Power Plants
AI improves forecasting, asset dispatch, and demand response across millions of distributed resources. Virtual power plants (VPPs) that aggregate DERs (rooftop PV, batteries, EVs) can provide capacity and grid services at markedly lower cost than new peakers.[15]
Possible path to achieve: Deploy advanced metering and telemetry, adopt interoperable standards and DER market access, and harden cybersecurity in parallel with digitalization.
Continental & Global Transmission (HVDC)
High-voltage direct-current (HVDC) “supergrid” links can balance variability across regions and time zones, reducing overbuild and storage needs. Typical line losses are ~3% per 1,000 km plus converter station losses, enabling economical long-distance power flows.[16]
Possible path to achieve: Harmonize cross-border planning and cost allocation, standardize HVDC specs, and phase corridors with the highest integration value first.
Sector Coupling (Power–Heat–Transport–Industry)
Electrification and green molecules together decarbonize beyond the power sector. Heat pumps deliver 3–5× more heat per kWh than combustion; EVs enable flexible charging and V2G; green hydrogen supports hard-to-electrify segments (aviation, shipping, steel, chemicals) while adding system flexibility.[17]
Possible path to achieve: Codes that favor heat pumps, dense EV charging networks with smart charging, and coordinated hydrogen production, storage and end-use – all supported by consistent carbon-pricing and clean-technology standards.
What You Can Do
Through Expertise
Engineers, planners, financiers, and policy specialists can accelerate deployment: from interconnection standards and DER market design to deep-tech R&D (tandem PV, long-duration storage, EGS) and modernized permitting.
Through Participation
Install rooftop solar where feasible; join community solar where it isn’t. Switch to EVs and enroll in managed charging/V2G programs. Improve home efficiency (insulation, heat pumps, smart thermostats). Engage local and national decision-makers to support grid, storage, and transmission build-out.
Through Support
Back organizations with proven impact and transparent metrics. Allocate capital via green bonds and renewable funds. Join or form energy cooperatives. Where retail choice exists, select renewable electricity products to signal demand.
FAQ
What makes the transition feasible now?
Dramatic cost declines and performance gains. For example, global average lithium-ion battery pack prices fell to ~$115/kWh in 2024 (–20% y/y), and utility-scale solar and wind are the cheapest new generation in most markets.[18][19]
How can individuals contribute most effectively?
Install rooftop or subscribe to community solar; adopt EVs and managed charging; upgrade efficiency (weatherization, heat pumps); support pro-grid/pro-storage policies; volunteer or donate to credible deployment and access programs.
Could space-based solar become a primary source?
It’s not there yet, but recent analyses and demonstrations support its technical feasibility; the key is maturing hardware and lowering launch and on-orbit costs. Pilots late 2020s and commercial systems in the 2030s are plausible if milestones are met.[20][21]
What’s slowing deployment most?
Grid and interconnection constraints, insufficient storage and transmission, permitting delays, and policy uncertainty – solvable through investment and reform.[22][23]
How fast could we get there?
Scenarios show very high renewable shares by 2050 are achievable. In the near term, tripling global capacity by 2030 requires sustained annual records – and parallel build-out of storage and transmission.[24]
Conclusion
The renewable transition is technologically and economically viable – and already scaling. 2024 saw record additions, yet meeting 2030 goals requires faster action on deployment, storage, transmission, and sector coupling. Every installed panel and turbine, every commissioned storage project, and every enabling policy moves the world toward reliable, clean energy for all.[25]
Organizations Working on This Issue
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) – https://www.irena.org
Tracks global progress and provides policy/technical guidance; 2024 saw 585 GW added and ~4.45 TW cumulative renewables by year-end.[26]
Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) – https://www.seforall.org
Through the UN Energy Compacts, reported impacts include 129 million people gaining electricity access and 22 million gaining clean cooking access to date; 245 GW of renewable capacity installed across compact commitments; 2.5 million green jobs created with 19,128 for women.[27][28]
Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) – https://gwec.net
Reports record 117 GW of wind added in 2024; offshore capacity ~83 GW with a record pipeline under construction.[29][30]
REN21 – Renewables Global Status Report – https://www.ren21.net
Provides peer-reviewed global snapshots; in 2023, renewables made up ~86% of new power capacity additions.[31]
References
- ↑ IRENA (26 Mar 2025). “Record-Breaking Annual Growth in Renewable Power Capacity.” The 2024 additions reached 585 GW and 92.5% of new capacity; global total ~4,448 GW. https://www.irena.org/News/pressreleases/2025/Mar/Record-Breaking-Annual-Growth-in-Renewable-Power-Capacity
- ↑ IRENA (2024). “World Energy Transitions Outlook 2024 (WETO).” Tripling to ~11.2 TW by 2030 is required; current progress and investment remain insufficient. https://www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2024/Nov/IRENA_World_energy_transitions_outlook_2024.pdf
- ↑ NASA (Jan 2024). “Space-Based Solar Power Assessment.” Technical and programmatic considerations for SBSP. https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/otps-sbsp-report-final-tagged-approved-1-8-24-tagged-v2.pdf
- ↑ Caltech (2023). “In a first, Caltech’s Space Solar Power Demonstrator wirelessly transmits power in space.” https://www.caltech.edu/about/news/in-a-first-caltechs-space-solar-power-demonstrator-wirelessly-transmits-power-in-space
- ↑ NASA (2024). SBSP Assessment – technology and regulatory pathways. https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/otps-sbsp-report-final-tagged-approved-1-8-24-tagged-v2.pdf
- ↑ PV Magazine (18 Apr 2025). “Longi achieves 34.85% efficiency for two-terminal tandem perovskite solar cell.” https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/04/18/longi-achieves-34-85-efficiency-for-two-terminal-tandem-perovskite-solar-cell/
- ↑ GWEC (23 Apr 2025). “Wind industry installs record capacity in 2024 (117 GW).” https://www.gwec.net/gwec-news/wind-industry-installs-record-capacity-in-2024-despite-policy-instability
- ↑ GWEC (25 Jun 2025). “Global Offshore Wind Report: installed capacity reaches 83 GW; record pipeline under construction.” https://www.gwec.net/gwec-news/offshore-wind-installed-capacity-reaches-83-gw-as-new-report-finds-2024-a-record-year-for-construction-and-auctions
- ↑ Global Offshore Wind Alliance (2 Jul 2025). “A record year for offshore wind constructions and auctions – 48 GW under construction.” https://gowa-energy.org/news/a-record-year-offshore-wind-constructions-and-auctions
- ↑ U.S. DOE (2024). “Enhanced Geothermal Systems.” https://www.energy.gov/eere/geothermal/enhanced-geothermal-systems
- ↑ Clean Air Task Force (2024). “Superhot Rock Geothermal.” https://www.catf.us/superhot-rock/
- ↑ Quaise (2024). Company overview & technical FAQs on mm-wave drilling and superhot rock access. https://www.quaise.energy/faqs
- ↑ BloombergNEF (10 Dec 2024). “Lithium-ion battery pack prices see largest drop since 2017, falling to $115/kWh.” https://about.bnef.com/insights/commodities/lithium-ion-battery-pack-prices-see-largest-drop-since-2017-falling-to-115-per-kilowatt-hour-bloombergnef/
- ↑ PV Magazine (26 Apr 2024) summarizing IEA: “IEA calls for sixfold expansion of global energy storage capacity.” https://www.pv-magazine.com/2024/04/26/iea-calls-for-sixfold-expansion-of-global-energy-storage-capacity/
- ↑ Brattle Group (2023). “The Consumer and Clean Energy Benefits of VPPs” – VPP capacity costs ~40–60% less than alternatives. https://www.brattle.com/insights-events/publications/the-consumer-and-clean-energy-benefits-of-virtual-power-plants/
- ↑ IEA ETSAP (2014). Technology Brief E12 “Electricity Transmission and Distribution,” HVDC losses ~3%/1,000 km + converter losses. https://iea-etsap.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/E12-electcty_trans_LR-GS-OK.pdf
- ↑ Wiley WIREs Energy & Environment (2021). “The sector coupling concept: A critical review.” https://wires.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/wene.396
- ↑ BloombergNEF (10 Dec 2024). Global battery pack prices $115/kWh. https://about.bnef.com/insights/commodities/lithium-ion-battery-pack-prices-see-largest-drop-since-2017-falling-to-115-per-kilowatt-hour-bloombergnef/
- ↑ Reuters (6 Feb 2025). Clean energy costs continue to fall; new wind/solar beat new coal/gas in most markets. https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/clean-energy-costs-continue-fall-this-year-report-says-2025-02-06/
- ↑ NASA (2024). SBSP Assessment. https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/otps-sbsp-report-final-tagged-approved-1-8-24-tagged-v2.pdf
- ↑ Caltech (2023). SSPP in-space power beaming demo. https://www.caltech.edu/about/news/in-a-first-caltechs-space-solar-power-demonstrator-wirelessly-transmits-power-in-space
- ↑ GWEC (2025). Record wind year but policy/permit bottlenecks remain. https://www.gwec.net/gwec-news/wind-industry-installs-record-capacity-in-2024-despite-policy-instability
- ↑ REN21 (2024). GSR 2024: 86% of 2023 additions were renewable, but grids and policy lag. https://www.ren21.net/gsr-2024/
- ↑ IRENA (2024). WETO 2024. https://www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2024/Nov/IRENA_World_energy_transitions_outlook_2024.pdf
- ↑ IRENA (2024/2025). WETO 2024; Renewable Capacity Statistics 2025 – progress and remaining gaps to 2030. https://www.irena.org/
- ↑ IRENA (26 Mar 2025). Press release on 2024 additions and global totals. https://www.irena.org/News/pressreleases/2025/Mar/Record-Breaking-Annual-Growth-in-Renewable-Power-Capacity
- ↑ SEforALL (16 Sep 2024). “Annual Monitoring Review 2023” – 129m electricity, 22m clean cooking. https://www.seforall.org/publications/annual-monitoring-review-2023
- ↑ SEforALL (accessed 2025). “Energy Compacts” impact snapshots – 245 GW installed; 2.5m jobs; 19,128 jobs for women. https://www.seforall.org/programmes/un-energy/energy-compacts
- ↑ GWEC (2025). Global Wind Report & Offshore Wind Report highlights. https://www.gwec.net/gwec-news/wind-industry-installs-record-capacity-in-2024-despite-policy-instability
- ↑ GWEC (2025). Offshore capacity and construction pipeline. https://www.gwec.net/gwec-news/offshore-wind-installed-capacity-reaches-83-gw-as-new-report-finds-2024-a-record-year-for-construction-and-auctions
- ↑ REN21 (2024). GSR 2024 – Global Overview & PDF facts. https://www.ren21.net/gsr-2024/ ; https://www.ren21.net/gsr-2024/modules/global_overview/ ; PDF excerpt indicating 86%: https://www.lerenovaveis.org/contents/lerpublication/2024_abr_ren21_renewables-2024--global-status-report.pdf