There are different opinions and scenarios about whether the world can achieve a 100% renewable energy system by or before 2050 and what are the fastest-growing renewable energy sources in the world.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the world needs to reach net zero emissions by 2050 to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5 °C, in line with the Paris Agreement. To do this, the IEA proposes a roadmap that involves a massive deployment of all available clean energy technologies, such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and bioenergy. The IEA estimates that annual clean energy investment worldwide will need to triple by 2030 to around $4 trillion, creating millions of new jobs and boosting economic growth. However, the IEA also warns that almost half of the emissions reductions by 2050 will come from technologies currently at the demonstration or prototype phase, requiring major innovation efforts this decade.

Another study by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) outlines a global transition to 100% renewable energy across the electricity, heat, transport, and desalination sectors by 2050. The study claims this transition would be cheaper than the current global energy system and reduce energy-related CO2 emissions by over 80% by 2050. The study also explores the socio-economic benefits of renewable energy, such as universal access to electricity and clean cooking, improved health and well-being, and enhanced energy security and resilience.

Other studies have also suggested that a 100% renewable energy system is possible and desirable by 2050 or earlier. However, there are also some challenges and uncertainties involved in such a transition, such as the variability and intermittency of some renewable sources, the integration and storage of renewable electricity, the availability and sustainability of land and water resources, the social acceptance and political feasibility of renewable projects, and the potential trade-offs and synergies with other environmental and development goals.

As for the fastest-growing renewable energy sources in the world, according to a factsheet by the Center for Sustainable Systems at the University of Michigan, wind and solar are the fastest-growing renewable sources in terms of capacity and generation. Wind energy grew by an average annual rate of 15.6% from 2009 to 2019, while solar energy grew by an average annual rate of 49.9% in the same period. However, these sources still account for only 5% of the total energy used in the U.S. in 2021. Other sources of renewable energy that are growing rapidly include hydropower, geothermal, and bioenergy.

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

Several studies have proven that 100% renewable energy systems can be achieved on global, regional, and national levels by or before 2050. The number of published studies has grown by 27% annually since the year 2010 and continues to grow each year. By 2050, we could get all the energy we need from renewable sources. This report shows that such a transition is not only possible but also cost-effective, providing energy that is affordable for all and producing it in ways that can be sustained by the global economy and the planet. Power the world with 100% renewable energy. The answer given by most of the researchers to this question is a big YES. Such an energy system has economical as well as environmental benefits. Renewable energy, while becoming more cost-competitive, still cannot match the affordability and reliability of fossil fuels. In many developing countries, the infrastructure and resources required for renewable energy are not yet in place, making it difficult to transition away from fossil fuels. EIA projects that total world electricity generation will reach nearly 45 trillion kilowatthours (kWh) by 2050, almost 20 trillion kWh more than the 2018 level. Although growth occurs in both OECD and non-OECD regions, the growth in electricity demand in non-OECD regions far outpaces those in OECD regions. The country boasts one of the largest manufacturing ecosystems for wind energy and is experiencing rapid growth in solar capacity, propelling India to be the global leader in renewable energy. First on our list of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources, hydropower is the most widely used form of renewable energy in the world, producing 1 295 gigawatts of energy. This amounts to 54% of the global renewable power generation capacity. The most common hydropower comes from water in dams. Solar photovoltaics are the fastest growing electricity source.The world can reach a 100% renewable energy system by or before 2050. Sustainability - A new energy system would be mainly based on solar and wind energy, energy storage, sector coupling, and direct and indirect electrification of almost all energy demand. Solar photovoltaics are the fastest growing electricity source. In 2020, around 139 GW of global capacity was added, bringing the total to about 760 GW and producing almost 3 percent of the world's electricity. Biofuels are both shown separately and are included in petroleum and other liquids. In our Annual Energy Outlook 2022 (AEO2022) Reference case, which reflects current laws and regulations, we project that the share of U.S. power generation from renewables will increase from 21% in 2021 to 44% in 2050. Fast Transition' scenario, shows a realistic possible future for a fossil-free energy system by around 2050, providing 55% more energy services globally than today, by ramping up solar, wind, batteries, electric vehicles, and clean fuels such as green hydrogen (made from renewable electricity).