What are the applications of renewable energy technologies in mitigating climate change?
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Applications of Renewable Energy Technologies in Mitigating Climate Change
Introduction to Renewable Energy and Climate Change Mitigation
Renewable energy technologies (RETs) are pivotal in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which are the primary drivers of global warming. The energy supply sector is the largest contributor to global GHG emissions, making the transition to renewable energy crucial for climate change mitigation1. This article explores the various applications of RETs in mitigating climate change, highlighting their benefits, challenges, and the role they play in different regions and sectors.
Key Renewable Energy Technologies
Solar and Wind Energy
Solar and wind energy are among the most prominent renewable energy sources. Solar power, including utility-scale and rooftop photovoltaic systems, and wind energy, both onshore and offshore, have seen significant advancements in technology performance and cost-competitiveness2 7. These technologies are essential for reducing GHG emissions and are increasingly being adopted worldwide. Wind energy, in particular, has the potential to delay or even avoid crossing the 2°C warming threshold if aggressively implemented5.
Bioenergy
Bioenergy, derived from organic materials, is another critical renewable energy source. It is versatile and can be used for electricity, heat, and transportation fuels. The increased availability of bioenergy, especially with CO2 fertilization, can significantly contribute to climate change mitigation9. However, bioenergy also faces challenges such as land-use competition and sustainability concerns2.
Hydropower
Hydropower is a well-established renewable energy source that contributes to GHG emission reductions. However, its future potential is uncertain due to climate change impacts on water availability9. Despite this, hydropower remains a crucial component of the renewable energy mix, especially in regions with abundant water resources.
Regional and Sectoral Applications
Case Study: Nepal
In Nepal, renewable energy technologies such as micro-hydro projects, solar power, biogas, and improved cooking stoves have been instrumental in reducing GHG emissions and enhancing carbon sequestration. From 2017 to 2018, Nepal reduced emissions by 221,129 tCO2e through these technologies4. The country's focus on increasing renewable energy use by 15% and reducing CO2 emissions by 23% by 2030 highlights the significant role of RETs in national climate strategies.
Global Insights
Globally, the adoption of RETs varies by region. China, the United States, and Europe are leading in renewable energy research and implementation, while regions like Africa and South America are less studied1. The end-use sectors, particularly residential and transport, are major areas where renewable energy can make a substantial impact1.
Challenges and Policy Recommendations
Market and Information Barriers
Despite the benefits, renewable energy faces challenges such as market failures, lack of information, and access to raw materials3. Addressing these barriers through policy measures and financial incentives is crucial for the widespread adoption of RETs.
Environmental Justice
Renewable energy transitions must also consider environmental justice implications. Policies should ensure that the benefits of renewable energy are equitably distributed and that vulnerable populations are not disproportionately affected10.
Conclusion
Renewable energy technologies are essential for mitigating climate change by reducing GHG emissions and promoting sustainable energy use. Solar, wind, bioenergy, and hydropower are key technologies with significant potential. However, challenges such as market barriers and environmental justice concerns must be addressed to maximize their impact. By adopting comprehensive policies and fostering technological innovation, the global community can harness the full potential of renewable energy to combat climate change effectively.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Energy systems for climate change mitigation: A systematic review
Current research mainly focuses on energy supply and end-use processes, with renewable technologies and energy storage being key, while little attention is given to traditional oil and gas exploration.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedThe status and prospects of renewable energy for combating global warming
Renewable energy technologies and biofuels show promising progress, but cost/benefit trade-offs and land-use competition must be addressed for them to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet global energy needs.
Highly CitedA review of renewable energy sources, sustainability issues and climate change mitigation
Renewable energy sources offer energy security, access, and climate change mitigation, but face challenges like market failures, lack of information, and access to raw materials.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedRole of renewable energy technologies in climate change adaptation and mitigation: A brief review from Nepal
Renewable energy technologies in Nepal have reduced greenhouse gas emissions and enhanced carbon sequestration, promoting climate change adaptation and mitigation at local, national, and international levels.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedPotential contribution of wind energy to climate change mitigation
Wind energy could significantly delay or even avoid crossing the 2°C warming threshold, depending on how aggressively it is implemented over the coming decades.
Highly CitedInternet of Things (IoT) and the Energy Sector
IoT can improve energy efficiency, increase renewable energy, and reduce environmental impacts in the energy sector, with potential solutions like blockchain technology.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedThe role of renewable energy in climate stabilization: results from the EMF27 scenarios
Renewable energy plays a crucial role in climate change mitigation, with wind and solar power being the most important long-term options for power supply, but their deployment depends on technology availability and climate policy.
Highly CitedRenewable Energy and Energy Reductions or Solar Geoengineering for Climate Change Mitigation?
Solar geoengineering may be a more cost-effective and quick solution to climate change mitigation than renewable energy and deep energy reductions, but ocean acidification requires a larger solution.
Literature ReviewClimate change impacts on renewable energy supply
Climate change will increase bioenergy's availability, but other renewable energy technologies show small global changes with robust local trends.
Highly CitedRenewable energy for whom? A global systematic review of the environmental justice implications of renewable energy technologies
Renewable energy technologies have ten common environmental justice implications, highlighting the need for future energy transition policies to address these concerns.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedTry another search
What are the ethical considerations in neuroscience research?
What are the implications of senescent cells on aging, and is there a way to target them?
What are the health considerations for adopting a minimalist lifestyle?
What are the applications of nanotechnology in sensing and diagnostics?
What are the applications of sociology in policy-making and advocacy?
What are the environmental and health risks associated with nanomaterials?