Transitioning to a Renewable Energy Future
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Fossil fuel overuse has created environmental problems of such magnitude that even an aggressive transition to renewable energy (RE) may take 50+ years for environmental stabilization. Even given that, a more critical and immediate concern involves security of the global energy supplies and infrastructure. The terrorist attack on the New York World Trade Center in 2001 highlights the vulnerability of the world’s conventional energy infrastructure. Worldwide, there are more than 100,000 large fossil and nuclear power plants and oil refineries which are potential targets — No nation is immune to such dangers.
Fossil fuel resources which dominate the energy market are declining and will deplete in the next few decades. The decline in available resources has resulted in armed conflicts which could grow in intensity and frequency in the future. It is imperative that we increase the pace of transition to worldwide use of RE for a safe energy future. The International Solar Energy Society (ISES) shows that an orderly shift is both crucial and feasible — with a goal of 20% RE contribution by 2020 and 50% by 2050. The technologies already exist. World energy needs can be met by the wide-scale implementation of RE technologies.
Some world thinkers promoting nuclear power plants as an alternative to burning fossil fuels to combat global climate change are overlooking an imminent problem. Even without debating concerns over nuclear waste or the proliferation of material for bombs, nuclear power plants would be obvious targets for terrorist groups. A major accident based on a terrorist attack using commercial airliners at a nuclear power plant could kill tens of thousands and contaminate large geographic areas. A terrorist attack on an oil tanker or natural gas pipeline could spell environmental disaster.
RE technologies of Photovoltaics, Wind Power, Solar Thermal Power and Biomass carry none of the inherent risks of nuclear and fossil fuel power plants. As distributed technologies they cannot be disrupted by terrorist attacks. RE technologies will not only enhance energy security, but also will result in a clean environment and energy independence, and will create jobs in local communities.
The ISES white paper “Transitioning to a Renewable Energy Future†serves as a guide for governmental policy measures and the enormous social and economic benefits of using RE. A long-term commitment from world governments backed by appropriate policies, will spur large private investment and increase competition and R&D, reducing costs even further. Globally it is good business to invest in RE industry, with its unparalleled growth rates.
ISES urges the world to embrace the transition to a clean, safe and stable energy future, for the sake of the global economy, alleviation of poverty, and a healthy environment.
The ISES White Paper “Transitioning to a Renewable Energy Futureâ€, by Dr. Donald W. Aitken, is available electronically at http://whitepaper.ises.org, or in printed form from ISES Headquarters
For more information, contact:
Rian van Staden
Executive Director
ISES International Headquarters
Wiesentalstr. 50
79115 Freiburg
Germany
Tel: +49 – 761 – 45906-10
Fax: +49 – 761 – 45906-99
Email: public.relations@ises.org
Website: www.ises.org
@ September 24, 2004