According to the IEA and other sources, renewable energy is a vital part of the solution to combat climate change and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydro, bioenergy, and geothermal can provide clean, affordable, and reliable electricity and heat for various sectors and applications. Renewable energy can also reduce the dependence on fossil fuels, enhance energy security, create new jobs and industries, and improve human health and well-being.

However, renewable energy alone is not enough to save the world in the future. There are still many challenges and barriers to overcome, such as the intermittency and variability of some renewable sources, the integration of renewables into the grid and the market, the need for more transmission and distribution infrastructure, the social and environmental impacts of some renewable projects, the financing and policy support for renewable development, and the innovation and deployment of new technologies and solutions.

Therefore, renewable energy must complement other clean energy options, such as energy efficiency, carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, electrification, and behavioral changes. Moreover, renewable energy must be scaled up rapidly and massively across all regions and sectors to meet the growing energy demand and the ambitious climate goals. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global renewable electricity capacity needs to be 80% higher than the current growth rate by 2026 to stay on track for net zero by 2050.

As for which renewable energy is the best, there is no definitive answer to this question. Different renewable sources have different advantages and disadvantages, depending on various factors such as location, availability, cost, performance, environmental impact, social acceptance, and so on. For example, solar power is abundant and widely distributed, but it depends on the weather and the time of day. Wind power is cheap and efficient but can be noisy and visually intrusive. Hydropower is reliable and flexible but can affect water quality and ecosystems. Bioenergy is versatile and can use waste materials, but it can also compete with food production and emit greenhouse gases.

Therefore, the best renewable energy source may vary depending on each case's specific context and objective. A more holistic and integrated approach is needed to assess the potential and suitability of different renewable options for different purposes and scenarios. A more diverse and balanced mix of renewable sources is also desirable to ensure a more resilient and sustainable energy system.

Dr Jorge Morales Pedraza thank you for your contribution to the discussion

You are welcome!

First of all, it is never going to end, we can use them for a long time and various purposes. Also, they generate energy in a large amount and efficiently. The most important benefit of renewable energy is that it is eco-friendly and don't contribute to environmental pollution. Switching to clean sources of energy, such as wind and solar, thus helps address not only climate change but also air pollution and health. If we could replace fossil fuels with abundant renewable energy, we would cut energy prices, reduce emissions and lower the future risks of climate change, including the impact on food production.It is generally believed that wind is the most efficient way to harness renewable energy. Because windmills can be placed in open areas also used for farming, they offer flexibility. Generally, rows of wind turbines are constructed along coastal areas where nothing can hinder the flow of wind. Wind, solar, and hydroelectric systems generate electricity with no associated air pollution emissions. Geothermal and biomass systems emit some air pollutants, though total air emissions are generally much lower than those of coal- and natural gas-fired power plants. Renewable energy can be used for electricity generation, space and water heating and cooling, and transportation. Non-renewable energy, in contrast, comes from finite sources that could get used up, such as fossil fuels like coal and oil. Supporting rural development: Renewable energy technologies can support rural development by providing access to energy to rural communities, which can help to improve quality of life, increase agricultural productivity and stimulate economic growth.