Renewable energy, a major solution for fighting climate change
Helene PELOSSE
It is the only source of energy which could meet the needs of 10
billion human beings in 2050.
Historically, energy has been the cause of numerous conflicts. Access
to petrol has generated deadly wars and a schism between producer and
consumer countries, incarnated since the past 30 years by the rival
organizations, OPEC and IEA. As far as nuclear energy is concerned,
there is no such global organization.
Founded on 26th January 2009 in Germany, the International Renewable
Energy Agency (IRENA) is a real breakthrough. IRENA is the agency of
reconciliation of all countries to form a sacred union for a global
fight: the transition to clean energy. As of now 136 countries have
agreed to develop renewable energy together.
Renewable energy glass |
This is the first time that this kind of energy has reached such a
consensus. And this has occurred at a time when the IPCC, presided by an
eminent Indian scientist, Dr. R.K. Pachauri, has launched works that
will conclude with the publication of a report on renewable energy
within a year.
Today, renewable energy represents 18 per cent of global energy
consumption. This is mainly constituted of traditional biomass, women in
developing countries who use wood for cooking, and hydraulic energy.
But other forms of renewable energy, such as wind and solar energy,
have witnessed very strong growth rates: more than 20 per cent per year
over the past 10 years for the former, and an even higher growth rate
for the latter. Should it not be recalled that, in 2009, no new nuclear
power station has been installed, whereas the installation of wind
energy facilities has been increased by 27 GW?
Renewable energy is a major solution for fighting climate change. And
it is the only source of unlimited energy which could meet the needs of
10 billion human beings that we shall number in 2050.
Its potential is not only immense but also well distributed, unlike
fossil fuels: let us not forget that 65 per cent of oil is concentrated
in the Middle East.
Be it the sun, the wind, rivers, the sea, the heat of the earth, the
forest and agricultural and industrial residues, each country on Earth
has resources.
In India alone, the only country in the world to have a ministry
dedicated to renewable energy and a founder-member of IRENA, the
potential is immense. Electricity from renewable energy already accounts
for 9 per cent of installed capacity. Globally, India is the 5th largest
producer of wind energy; national champions, such as Suzlon, have been
created and the resources are far from having been completely exploited.
Today, exploiting the potential of solar energy 'Solar India' -
constitutes the next challenge.
I am pleased with India's ambitious solar energy plan, which targets
a 20GW capacity by 2020. New norms and regulations will be incorporated
in it. Well gauged and effective, they could serve as an example for
other countries.
With India and all member-States, IRENA will work hand in hand to
develop renewable energy. Together, we will pool expertise for laying
down the most effective regulations which will help increase the share
of renewable energy.
Together, we will interconnect research centres in the world and
create a global database so that each country may be aware of the
resources at its disposal. Together, we will invent new products so as
to render solar technology accessible to the poorest. Together, we will
finance exemplary cooperation projects and meet the vast existing
training needs.
But we must also accomplish a Copernican revolution together. For
years we have been living with a centralized energy system; we will now
move towards a decentralized system wherein there will be numerous
production sources.
We are used to a rigid, non communicating electricity network, which
should instead be made flexible and intelligent.
The Hindu |