With global cooperation and investment renewables’ could supply 40 % of the world's electricity by 2050
With adequate financial and political support, renewable energy technologies like wind and photovoltaics could supply 40 % of the world's electricity by 2050, according to climate change scientists in Copenhagen.
However, if such technologies are marginalized, its share is likely to hover below 15 %, the scientists warned.
Peter Lund of the Helsinki University of Technology's Advanced Energy Systems, said: ‘If we prioritize and recognize the value of renewable energy technologies, their potential to supply us with the energy we need is tremendous.’
Previous projections put renewables' share at only 12 % by 2030.
Research conducted by Jeanette Whitaker of the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology in Lancaster, UK found that second generation biofuels, such as ethanol made from straw, had substantially lower energy requirements and greenhouse gas emissions than first generation biofuels, such as ethanol made from foodstuffs, like wheat and sugar beet.
Thousands of climate researchers from more than 70 countries have gathered in Copenhagen, Denmark, to present their findings to the world.
The results will be presented to world leaders as they gather later this year in Copenhagen for the post-Kyoto negotiations at the United Nations Climate Change Conference.
