Renewable Energy

Analysis

The article “China leads in global shift to renewable energy” maintains that renewable energy has grown at a high rate. Global investment in renewable energy has led to the rise of world electricity that is produced by green sources such as wind, solar and geothermal (Mazumdaru, 2018). In 2018, 157 gigawatts of renewable energy were commissioned. Global investment in renewable energy was more than $200 billion (€163.2 billion). Various states are investing in green sources of energy as a way of dealing with climate change. According to Frangoul (2018) maintains that Renewable energy sources have become highly important. The International Energy Agency argues that renewable electricity generation is expected to rise by more than one-third by 2022. Various materials are required to enhance the growth of the energy solar panels. For instance, Lithium, water, and cobalt among others.

Moreover, the increase in solar investment demonstrates how international energy map is transforming (UN News, 2018). It also shows the economic benefits of the change. Investment in renewable energy allows more individuals to participate in the economy. Roberts (2018) maintains that most of the activists argue that 100% renewable energy can be achieved.  One of the major debate is whether to achieve 100% renewable energy or the main goals ought to be Zero carbon.  Birch (2014) maintains that most of the people maintain that the UK is on the verge of a high technological change in the renewable energy sector. However, some of the individuals maintain that the country does not have ambition or vision to make renewable technologies mainstream.

Answers to the questions

The topic of renewable energy is controversial due to its global benefits. Countries are focusing on moving away from power production based on fossil fuel to eco-friendly generation (Mazumdaru, 2018). Also, countries around the globe have been focusing on green sources of energy as one of their efforts to deal with climate change. Diverse views have been expressed concerning renewable energy future. Some of the individuals maintain that it is not possible to achieve 100% renewable energy (Roberts, 2018). They maintain that it is important to focus on zero carbon instead of 100% renewables.

However, other stakeholders maintain that countries should focus on making sure there is 100 percent renewable energy. Also, they maintain that the international energy map is transforming (UN News, 2018).  Some of the Key investors in renewable energy include the governments, International Energy Agency and various energy companies in the world (Frangoul, 2018). Some of the stakeholders that maintain that countries should focus not focus on 100% believe that this is not achievable hence, it should not be a priority (Roberts, 2018). However, others believe that by achieving 100% renewables it will lead to various benefits, for instance, deal with climate change and enhance economy (Mazumdaru, 2018). The role of engineers in renewable energy topic is not well represented. Most of the countries focus on its benefits rather than individuals involved in the process.

History

Initially, countries did not focus a lot on renewable energy. For instance, in 2014, renewable energy only met 5% of the country’s needs (Birch, 2014). Also, most of the activists argued that countries cannot achieve 100% renewables (Roberts, 2018). However, the debate concerning the topic has changed as the investment in renewable energy continue to increase (Mazumdaru, 2018).

References

Birch, S. (2014, May 23). The UK powered on 90% renewables by 2030? A bold future for

energy. Retrieved May 4, 2018, from https://www.theguardian.com/big-energy-debate/uk-renewables-2030-bold-future-energy.

Frangoul, A. (2018, February 28). Five things crucial to a renewable energy future. Retrieved

May 4, 2018, from https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/28/five-things-crucial-to-a-renewable-energy-future.html

Mazumdaru, S. (2018, May 4). China leads in global shift to renewable energy | DW |

05.04.2018. Retrieved May 4, 2018, from http://www.dw.com/en/china-leads-in-global-shift-to-renewable-energy/a-43266203.

Roberts, D. (2017, April 04). A beginner’s guide to the debate over 100% renewable energy.

Retrieved May 4, 2018, from https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2017/4/4/14942764/100-renewable-energy-debate

UN News. (2018). The world banks on sunshine, UN says in renewable energy report | UN

News. Retrieved May 4, 2018, from https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/04/1006651