Once considered a fringe concept, researchers at Stanford University have shown that the entire world’s energy needs could be met with clean, renewable energy including solar, wind, hydro and geothermal power. Transforming our energy systems to 100% renewable energy by 2050 would provide enormous societal benefits. It will cost 25% less than our current energy system, and it will add 24 million long-term jobs to the economy. It will also prevent 4 million pollution-related deaths and save $20 trillion in costs related to public health and climate change impacts.
To date 50 countries and over 100 subnational governments have signed on to the 100% target, and it has now becoming a mainstream concept discussed by government leaders at all levels. A new project currently lead by University of Technology Sydney and the German Aerospace Center will assess grid feasibility and carbon mitigation potential of 100% renewable energy in 10 regions and 72 sub-regions, allowing governments at all levels to see how much they can benefit from an accelerated transition to renewable energy.