Tech

Solar Energy for a Zero-Emission World

Written and published by Yuki Oda
(Ph.D. in Energy Engineering from the University of Tokyo)

Table of Contents

  • 1 Introduction
  • 2 Critical Comparison of Renewable Energy Sources
    • 1 Solar Energy
      • 1.1 Energy Potential
      • 1.2 Reliability
      • 1.3 Production Costs
      • 1.4 Environmental and Social Impact
    • 2 Wind Energy
      • 2.1 Energy Potential
      • 2.2 Reliability
      • 2.3 Production Costs
      • 2.4 Environmental and Social Impact
    • 3 Hydroelectric Energy
      • 3.1 Energy Potential
      • 3.2 Reliability
      • 3.3 Production Costs
      • 3.4 Environmental and Social Impact
    • 4 Geothermal Energy
      • 4.1 Energy Potential
      • 4.2 Reliability
      • 4.3 Production Costs
      • 4.4 Environmental and Social Impact
    • 3 Solar Energy vs. Other Renewable Sources
      • 1 Solar Energy
      • 2 Wind Energy
      • 3 Hydroelectric Energy
      • 4 Geothermal Energy
    • 4 Debunking Assumptions in Favor of Nuclear Energy
      • 1 Clean and Safe
      • 2 Nuclear Waste Can Be Safely Managed
      • 3 Economically Competitive
      • 4 Essential for Energy Security
    • 5 Unlimited Potential of Solar Energy
    • 6 Technological Advancements and Innovations
    • 7 Multiple Uses and Applications
      • 1 Residential and Commercial Energy
      • 2 Heating and Cooling
      • 3 Water Desalination and Purification
      • 4 Sustainable Mobility
    • 8 The Challenge of Intermittency
    • 9 Solutions Through Storage
      • 1 Battery Storage
      • 2 Thermal Energy Storage
      • 3 Integrating Smart Grids
      • 4 New-Generation Batteries
      • 5 The Role of Investment Policies
    • 10 Development of a Realistic Transition Plan
      • 1 Leveraging Scientific Data and Scenario Analysis
      • 2 Scaling up Solar Energy Production
      • 3 Enhancing Grid Infrastructure and Storage Solutions
    • 11 Positive Impact on Decarbonization and Climate Change
      • 1 Reducing Greenhouse Gases Emissions
      • 2 Supporting Sustainable Development
      • 3 Encouraging Global Cooperation
    • 12 Conclusions
    • 13 References

1 Introduction

In the journey towards a sustainable destiny, attaining a zero-emission world is crucial. As we face the challenges of weather change and global warming, moving toward renewable energy is fundamental. Among the diverse renewable options, solar energy shines as a promising route to not only effectively reduce emissions but also fill the energy desires of the world. Solar energy sticks out for its capability to transform daylight into energy, providing a smooth and endless compared to conventional energy resources.

Comparing solar energy with other renewable sources highlights its unique advantages. Wind energy, as an example, relies closely on precise geographical and weather situations, limiting wherein it may be used correctly. Hydroelectric energy, whilst effective, can disrupt ecosystems due to the need for large dams. Biomass energy still releases carbon dioxide, however, much less than fossil fuels. Solar energy, on the other hand, might be harnessed nearly everywhere there’s solar light, making it a versatile option. It can be scaled from small setups in houses to huge solar farms, becoming a huge range of energy wishes with minimal environmental impact. The long-term viability and sustainability of solar energy are further supported using technological improvements and reduced expenses. Innovations have made solar panels more efficient and less high-priced, making solar energy greater competitive with traditional sources[1]. Developments in battery storage also are fixing the issue of solar energy’s intermittency, ensuring a reliable energy delivery day and night time. These upgrades are important for expanding solar energy systems to meet increasing demands sustainably. Solar energy’s environmental advantages are good sized, extending beyond simply zero emissions. It has a low environmental effect during its lifecycle, especially associated with the production and delivery of substances. Once installed, solar energy systems do not use water, emit pollutants, or contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, adopting solar energy can decrease energy independence with the aid of reducing the need for imported fuels, for that reason selling national protection and lowering conflicts over fossil gas resources.

In summary, solar energy is very essential in the flow in the direction of zero-emission. Its benefits over other renewable energy sources, coupled with technological progress and low price, make it the simplest and most sustainable option. Solar energy now not best aligns with international sustainability goals however also represents a dedication to preserving our planet for future generations. By adopting Solar energy, we can make huge strides in environmental protection, cost reductions, and scalability, marking solar energy as the pleasant course ahead in our quest for a sustainable and resilient destiny.

2 Critical Comparison of Renewable Energy Sources

Moving towards renewable energy sources is the necessity of the world to reduce greenhouse gases emissions and global warming. Among the leading renewable energy resources, solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal energy are pivotal due to their considerable contributions to the worldwide energy demand[2].

Fig no 1: Comparison of renewable energy sources power generation capacity

Each of those energy resources has unique characteristics in phrases of energy ability, reliability, production rate, and environmental and social influences. An in-intensity evaluation of those components gives a comprehensive knowledge of the reliability, and efficiency of each renewable energy source[3].

2.1 Solar Energy

Fig no 2: Solar energy farm Comparison of Renewable Energy Sources

2.1.1 Energy Potential

Solar energy possesses immense capacity because of the rich and plentiful nature of daylight. Technological advancements in photovoltaic (PV) cells have dramatically improved the performance and feasibility of solar energy, making it a rapidly expanding sector[4]. The capability of solar energy vastly exceeds the present-day world energy demand, and positions solar energy as a cornerstone of future energy systems.

2.1.2 Reliability

Solar energy generation is only dependent on daylight, which varies with weather conditions and seasons. However, innovations in energy storage technology and grid integration have started to mitigate these challenges, enhancing the reliability of solar energy as a consistent energy supply.

2.1.3 Production Costs

The cost of solar energy has seen a tremendous decline over the past decade, due to technological advancements, economic development and aggressive delivery chains. Although preliminary setup charges are incredibly high, the operational rates are low, making solar energy increasingly more cost-efficient than traditional energy resources.

2.1.4 Environmental and Social Impact

Solar energy generates electricity without generating greenhouse gasses, which contributes greatly to efforts to combat climate change. Unlike fossil fuel-based energy generation, which emits a lot of CO2 and other pollutants, solar panels produce clean, renewable energy from sunshine. However, the manufacturing of PV panels involves energy-intensive approaches and the use of unsafe materials, necessitating responsible recycling and waste control strategies[5].

2.2 Wind Energy

Fig no 3: Wind energy farm

2.2.1 Energy Potential

Wind energy’s capability is great, especially in regions with robust and steady winds. Offshore wind farms, particularly, provide higher capacity factors because of greater consistent wind situations. Wind energy’s scalability, from small-scale turbines to large offshore wind farms, lets in for a vast application throughout distinct geographic and financial contexts.

2.2.2 Reliability

Like solar energy, wind energy is a problem of variability. The intermittent nature of wind can pose demanding situations to grid stability and calls for the integration of storage requirements or complementary energy technology methods to ensure regular energy delivery. Technological advances in forecasting and turbine performance are enhancing the predictability and reliability of wind energy.

2.2.3 Production Costs

The charges associated with wind energy have been reduced considerably, making it one of the maximum useful renewable energy sources to be had these days. The lower is attributed to enhancements in the turbine era, expanded turbine size, and extra green manufacturing and installation approaches. While offshore wind projects generally incur better prices than onshore projects, additionally they benefit from better energy yields.

2.2.4 Environmental and Social Impact

Wind energy is usually taken into consideration to have a low environmental impact, particularly in phrases of greenhouse gas emissions. The number one concerns consist of the visual and auditory effects of wind turbines, the ability damage to birds and bats, and the use of land. Cautious planning and technological improvements (together with turbine layout) are essential to minimizing these impacts.

2.3 Hydroelectric Energy

Fig no 4: Hydroelectric Energy

2.3.1 Energy Potential

Hydroelectric energy is one of the most mounted kinds of renewable energy, with an extensive contribution to the global energy supply. It is in particular ideal to areas with sufficient water float and elevation modifications[6]. Hydroelectric energy plants can provide massive energy output, with the brought benefit of water storage.

2.3.2 Reliability

Hydroelectric energy gives especially dependable and flexible energy production. The capacity to manipulate water flow through dam reservoirs permits hydroelectric plants to regulate output consistent with the call for, offering both base-load and peak-load energy generation.

2.3.3 Production Costs

The preliminary capital rates for hydroelectric energy are excessive, encompassing dam construction, environmental checks, and community relocation[7]. However, the operational and maintenance charges are surprisingly low, contributing to hydroelectric energy’s value-effectiveness over a long time.

2.3.4 Environmental and Social Impact

The environmental and social effects of hydroelectric energy are sizable. Dam construction can result in tremendous ecological disruption, water flow changes, and the displacement of communities[8]. These effects require comprehensive making plans, impact tests, and mitigation strategies to cope with ecological worries and make certain truthful compensation and resettlement programs for affected communities.

2.4 Geothermal Energy

Fig no 5: Geothermal Energy Plant

2.4.1 Energy Potential

Geothermal energy exploits the Earth’s inner warmth for energy technology and direct heating, supplying a stable and dependable energy source[9]. Its capability is specifically reported in geothermal hot spots together with volcanic regions. Geothermal energy plants can provide a steady energy output, making them a valuable factor in a diversified energy portfolio.

2.4.2 Reliability

Geothermal energy is one of the maximum reliable renewable sources, capable of presenting non-stop energy irrespective of outside climate conditions. Its ability to offer base-load energy enhances the stableness and reliability of energy structures.

2.4.3 Production Costs

The number one charges related to geothermal energy are the exploration and drilling of wells to get admission to heat reservoirs. These upfront costs may be vast; however, the operational costs are surprisingly low. The long lifespan of geothermal flora and their low renovation necessities have contributed to the economic viability of geothermal energy through the years.

2.4.4 Environmental and Social Impact

Geothermal energy is taken into consideration as environmentally friendly, with low emissions and minimum land footprint. However, it may have localized effects, along with land subsidence and the capability for induced seismicity. Additionally, the extraction of geothermal fluids can result in the release of greenhouse gasses trapped underground. Proper control and tracking can mitigate these influences, ensuring sustainable useful resource use[10].

3 Solar Energy vs. Other Renewable Sources

3.1 Solar Energy

Strengths: Solar energy is plentiful and to be had almost anywhere on Earth to some degree. It has minimum running charges as soon as the solar panels are installed and is one of the cleanest kinds of energy, with very low greenhouse gas emissions at some stage in operation. The solar energy era is also scalable, from small rooftop installations to massive solar farms[11].

Fig no 6: Installation capacity of solar energy worldwide

Weaknesses: Solar energy production is immediately dependent on solar light, making it variable and intermittent, with reduced output on cloudy days and no production at night time without energy storage systems. Initial installation expenses may be excessive, and there’s a substantial land footprint for massive-scale solar farms.

3.2 Wind Energy

Strengths: Wind energy gives excessive energy capability, specifically in regions with regular wind. It has lower operational prices and can generate greater energy than solar PV in appropriate locations. Offshore wind farms, especially, can attain better ability elements because of steadier winds.

Weaknesses: Wind energy manufacturing is subject to climate conditions, leading to variability. The visible and noise impact of wind generators can cause network competition. Additionally, there may be a danger to the natural world, in particular birds and bats.

3.3 Hydroelectric Energy

Strengths Hydroelectric energy is surprisingly reliable and able to quickly adjust output to match the call, making it an amazing source for base-load and peak-load energy demand. It has an extended operational existence and comparatively low operational prices after the initial high capital investment.

Weaknesses The environmental and social influences, along with habitat destruction, modifications in water waft, and displacement of local communities, can be huge[7]. The feasibility is likewise geographically confined to regions with sufficient water drift and elevation changes.

3.4 Geothermal Energy

Strengths: Geothermal energy provides a consistent and reliable energy supply, unaffected by climate situations, making it fantastic for base-load energy. It has a small land footprint and low emissions during operation.

Weaknesses: High initial costs for exploration and drilling may be a barrier. Geothermal energy capacity is likewise geographically limited to regions with handy underground warmness resources. There may be environmental concerns associated with water utilization and the capability release of underground gasses.

 

Factor

 

 

Solar Energy

 

 

Wind Energy

 

 

Hydroelectric Energy

 

 

Geothermal Energy

 

 

Energy Potential

 

 

High, but variable

 

 

High, but variable

 

 

High in suitable areas

 

 

High in suitable areas

 

 

Reliability

 

 

Variable

 

 

Variable

 

 

High

 

 

High

 

 

Production Costs

 

 

Medium to high initial; low operational

 

 

Medium initial; low operational

 

 

High initial; very low operational

 

 

High initial; low operational

 

 

Environmental Impact

 

 

Low; land use and material disposal                                   concerns

 

 

Low; visual, noise, and wildlife                                     concerns

 

 

Moderate to high; ecosystem disruption,                                community displacement

 

 

Low to moderate; land subsidence, water                           use, gases emissions

 

 

Scalability

 

 

High

 

 

High

 

 

Low to medium

 

 

Low to medium

 

Table no 1: Renewable energy resources compression

4 Debunking Assumptions in Favor of Nuclear Energy

4.1 Clean and Safe

While nuclear energy plants produce minimal greenhouse gases emissions during operation, the nuclear fuel life cycle from mining and enrichment to waste disposal poses environmental risks. The most critical concerns are the potential for catastrophic accidents and the long-term management of radioactive waste. Incidents like those at Chernobyl and Fukushima have highlighted the severe consequences of nuclear accidents, causing widespread environmental damage, long-term health issues, and massive economic costs.

4.2 Nuclear Waste Can Be Safely Managed

The management of nuclear waste remains a significant challenge. High-level radioactive waste, such as spent nuclear fuel, can remain dangerous for thousands of years, necessitating secure and stable storage solutions. While technological advancements have improved waste management practices, finding politically and socially acceptable locations for long-term waste repositories has proven difficult.

4.3 Economically Competitive

The economic competitiveness of nuclear energy is questionable when considering the full life cycle costs, including construction, operation, decommissioning, and waste management. Nuclear energy plants are expensive and time-consuming to build, with costs often exceeding initial estimates. Moreover, the financial risks are exacerbated by the long-term commitments required and the potential for cost overruns, especially in light of stringent safety and security regulations.

4.4 Essential for Energy Security

While nuclear energy can contribute to a country’s energy demand and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, its role in energy security is not without complications. The centralized nature of nuclear energy generation, coupled with the geopolitical complexities of uranium supply, can introduce vulnerabilities. In contrast, renewable energy sources like solar and wind are widely available, diverse, and can be deployed in a decentralized manner, enhancing energy resilience.

The transition towards renewable energy sources is necessary for addressing the challenges of climate change, energy protection, and global energy requirements. Among the list of renewable energy resources, solar energy stands at the top due to its abundance, versatility, and coupled with technological advancements which have been carried out in recent years. This paper explores the importance of solar energy, emphasizing its limitless potential as a number one energy source, the technological innovations that have made it extra accessible, high-value exergy and its huge range of applications.

5 Unlimited Potential of Solar Energy

Solar energy is the most considerable energy resource on our planet. The amount of solar energy that reaches the Earth’s surface in a single hour is greater than the global total energy demand in a whole year. This gigantic ability makes solar energy a cornerstone in the quest for a sustainable energy destiny. This normal availability way that solar energy may be harnessed in nearly any region, from far-off rural areas to city rooftops, making it a key solution for decreasing worldwide carbon emissions and fighting global warming[12].

Fig no 7: World global solar irradiation map indicating the unlimited potential of Solar Energy

The unlimited ability of solar energy additionally lies in its ability to fulfil the world’s energy demand[13]. With the proper investments in infrastructure and generation, solar energy may supply a tremendous part of the worldwide energy requirements[14]. This capacity is especially crucial for developing international locations, wherein getting admission to dependable and cheap energy can drastically impact monetary improvement, fitness effects, and nice of existence.

6 Technological Advancements and Innovations

The speedy advancement in the photovoltaic (PV) era has been a recreation-changer for solar energy. Over the previous few years, non-stop research and development have led to enormous upgrades in the efficiency of solar panels, enabling them to transform greater solar light into energy. These improvements, coupled with economies of scale in production, have ended in a dramatic discount in the rate of solar energy[15]. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the value of solar PV energy has decreased by way of 82% since 2010, making it one of the cheapest resources of energy in many elements of the arena.

Innovation in solar generation is not restrained to improving performance and lowering prices. Researchers are also exploring new substances and designs which promise even higher efficiencies and decrease production prices. Additionally, the combination of solar energy into building materials, known as Building-included photovoltaics (BIPV), is establishing new avenues for solar energy deployment, taking into consideration extra aesthetic and functional incorporation of solar technology into urban environments. Furthermore, advancements in energy storage technology, including batteries, are addressing the intermittency trouble of solar energy, permitting the storage of excess energy generated all through the day to be used at night or for the duration of cloudy intervals.

7 Multiple Uses and Applications

The versatility of solar energy is considered one of its most compelling benefits. Beyond energy technology, solar energy may be carried out in diverse methods to cope with a wide variety of energy wishes. Some of the applications of solar energy include:

Fig no 8: Applications of Solar Energy

7.1 Residential and Commercial Energy

Solar panels set up on rooftops or in solar farms can generate clean energy for houses, offices, and commercial facilities, lowering reliance on the grid and lowering energy payments.

7.2 Heating and Cooling

Solar thermal technology captures solar energy to warm water or air for residential and commercial heating functions, along with water heating, space heating, or even cooling via solar-energized absorption chillers.

7.3 Water Desalination and Purification

Solar energy can energy desalination plants that convert seawater into freshwater, addressing water shortage in arid areas. Similarly, solar-energized purification systems can offer safe consuming water in far-flung regions without access to the grid.

7.4 Sustainable Mobility

Solar energy contributes to the electrification of the transportation sector with the aid of energizing electric vehicles (EVs) both without delay through solar-charging stations or not directly by feeding smooth energy into the grid. Additionally, improvements in solar technologies have led to the improvement of solar-powered boats, drones, and even aeroplanes [16].

Solar energy heralded as a smooth and considerable source of energy, is pivotal in the worldwide transition towards renewable energy. However, it isn’t always without its challenges, with intermittency and the want for efficient storage systems at the forefront. These troubles are enormous however no longer insurmountable, and ongoing technological innovations and strategic techniques are paving the manner for solar energy to triumph over those hurdles.

8 The Challenge of Intermittency

Solar energy’s number one mission is its variability; solar energy generation is inherently intermittent, depending on the time of day and weather conditions. This intermittency poses a reliability problem for integrating solar energy into the energy grid, as energy manufacturing from solar properties no longer usually aligns with consumption styles[17].

9 Solutions Through Storage

The option for solar energy’s intermittency in large part lies in growing and deploying superior storage technologies. Efficient energy storage can bridge the gap between solar energy technology and energy requirements demand, storing greater energy produced within the direction of pinnacle solar light and then using it when it is required.

9.1 Battery Storage

Advancements in the battery era, specifically lithium-ion batteries, have been pivotal in addressing solar energy’s storage goals. These batteries can store solar energy at some stage in solar mild hours and supply energy at a few levels at night or on cloudy days. Innovations hold to emerge new technological advancements, which promise better performance, longer lifespans, and more stable operations.

9.2 Thermal Energy Storage

Thermal energy storage is another promising solution, mainly for concentrating solar energy (CSP) vegetation. This approach includes storing warmness amassed using solar thermal systems in materials like molten salts. The stored warm temperature can later be converted lower back into energy, supplying an option to generate energy outside solar light hours without relying on batteries.

9.3 Integrating Smart Grids

The integration of solar energy with smart grid generation presents a sophisticated method for the intermittency issue. Smart grids, with their actual-time monitoring and management abilities, can dynamically control the distribution of solar energy. It can not only increase the performance of the grid but additionally optimize using stored energy[18].

The inherent intermittency of solar energy and the project of energy storage have necessitated progressive solutions to harness this plentiful energy supply correctly. The integration of new-technology batteries, thermal storage structures, and smart grids, coupled with supportive investment regulations, underscores a strategic method to overcome those boundaries. This paper delves into those revolutionary solutions and demonstrates how technological development and strategic investment can deal with the worrying situations associated with solar energy.

9.4 New-Generation Batteries

The evolution of battery technology is pivotal in addressing the storing capabilities and traumatic conditions of solar energy. Traditional lithium-ion batteries have paved the way, but new-generation batteries, along with solid-state, lithium-sulfur, and waft batteries, promise massive enhancements in energy-storing technology.

Solid-state batteries replace the liquid electrolyte with a robust, enhancing protection through using decreasing the danger of leaks and fires. This era additionally gives better energy density and a longer lifecycle, making it a promising solution for each grid-scale storage and electric car.

Lithium-sulfur batteries offer every other road, with better energy density in assessment to lithium-ion batteries and the use of sulfur, a greater extensive and less high-priced cloth. Although worrying conditions associated with durability and standard performance life, ongoing studies pastimes to hold this era to the leading edge of energy storage demands.

9.5 The Role of Investment Policies

Technological improvements on my own aren’t sufficient to overcome the demanding situations of solar energy strategic investment policies are equally critical. Governmental help in the shape of subsidies, tax incentives, and research affords can boost the development and deployment of revolutionary storage solutions and clever grid technologies.

Solar energy sticks out as a key participant due to its abundance, scalability, and sustainability. Developing a practical and sustainable plan for the worldwide transition to solar energy necessitates a complete method, grounded in medical facts and scenario evaluation. This paper outlines this sort of plan, assessing the incredible impact of solar energy in the transition to a zero-emission world.

10 Development of a Realistic Transition Plan

10.1 Leveraging Scientific Data and Scenario Analysis

The cornerstone of a sensible transition plan to solar energy lies in applying scientific data and scenario analysis. These terms enable the evaluation of modern energy intake patterns, solar useful resource availability, and technological advancements. Scenario analysis, especially, allows for the exploration of numerous pathways to integrate solar energy into the global energy demand, taking into account economic, technological, and social factors.

A sensible transition plan moreover requires an in-depth understanding of the prevailing energy infrastructure and the identity of areas wherein solar energy ought to have the maximum substantial impact. This includes mapping solar irradiance globally, evaluating land availability, and thinking about close environmental and social elements.

10.2 Scaling up Solar Energy Production

The transition to solar energy requires a large scale-up in solar panel production and deployment. This necessitates advancements in the photovoltaic (PV) era to increase performance and decrease prices. Investing in research and development is important for coming across new materials and production strategies that could increase the performance and sturdiness of solar panels.

Moreover, the plan must embody techniques for the development of each large-scale solar farm and allocated solar systems. While solar farms can generate good-sized amounts of energy, allotted solar systems, which include rooftop solar panels, can reduce transmission losses and energy to nearby communities.

10.3 Enhancing Grid Infrastructure and Storage Solutions

A robust and bendy grid infrastructure is critical to deal with the intermittent nature of solar energy. This entails upgrading transmission and distribution structures and integrating clever grid technology to optimize the go-along with the waft of energy.

Energy storage plays a pivotal position in ensuring the reliability of solar energy. The plan must prioritize the improvement and deployment of superior battery structures, thermal storage, and exclusive revolutionary storage solutions. This will allow the storage of more solar energy in the course of top production instances for use for the duration of periods of low solar light.

11 Positive Impact on Decarbonization and Climate Change

11.1 Reducing Greenhouse Gases Emissions

The transition to solar energy presents an impressive possibility to decarbonize the energy device. By replacing fossil gases-primarily based completely energy technology with solar energy, big reductions in CO2 emissions can be carried out. This shift no longer simply contributes to mitigating climate exchange but also improves air splendid, reaping rewards public health and the surroundings[19].

11.2 Supporting Sustainable Development

Solar energy supports sustainable improvement by providing smooth, renewable energy. It gives a pathway to energy independence for countries reliant on imported fossil fuels, decreasing geopolitical tensions and fostering worldwide harmony[20].

Furthermore, the solar industry can create millions of jobs globally, from production and installation to upkeep and studies, contributing to financial improvement and social equity.

11.3 Encouraging Global Cooperation

The global transition to solar energy calls for international cooperation and coordination. Sharing era, know-how, and nice practices can accelerate the adoption of solar energy worldwide. International agreements and tasks, which incorporate the Paris Agreement, play an essential role in aligning worldwide efforts closer to a zero-emission destiny.

Economically, the solar energy sector promises to be an energy house of process introduction, spanning production, installation, protection, and studies and development. This burgeoning industry can appreciably reduce the unemployment rate and stimulate economic increase, especially in areas with high solar capacity. Moreover, the decentralization of energy manufacturing through solar energy democratizes energy access, permitting communities, particularly in far-off and underserved regions, to become energy-independent. This autonomy can result in a substantial rate of financial savings and resilience against energy rate fluctuations, enhancing the economic stability of households and corporations.

Socially, the shift to solar energy contributes to cleaner air and healthier surroundings, without delay impacting public fitness by way of decreasing pollutant-associated elements. It also fosters social equity by providing low-priced and dependable energy access to all, bridging the distance between urban and rural, affluent and underprivileged communities. The emergence of communities through neighbourhood energy tasks energises social bonds and fosters a sense of possession and responsibility closer to energy consumption and environmental stewardship. In essence, a global energized by solar energy no longer paves the way for a sustainable and zero-emission destiny but additionally promotes financial prosperity and social well-being, making it a pivotal aim for international development.

12 Conclusions

This Paper has very well examined several renewable options, emphasizing their particular strengths and weaknesses. While wind energy has first-rate technology functionality, it’s miles restricted through geography and is intermittent. Hydro energy is quite reliable, yet it has confined scalability and environmental issues. Geothermal energy, while easy and capable of offering baseload energy, is geographically constrained. In evaluation, solar energy glows brightly. In assessment to useful resource-dependent solutions, its sizable availability assures international accessibility. Furthermore, advances in photovoltaic and concentrating solar energy technology have ended in giant rate savings, making solar energy a greater competitive opportunity to fossil fuels. Furthermore, solar energy has a low environmental impact, generating no dangerous pollution throughout operation. The essential energy of solar energy is its scalability. Integrating storage techniques reduces intermittency issues, paving the manner for a grid-unbiased destiny. While troubles consisting of energy density and land utilization necessitate persevered studies and optimization, the steady developments in solar generation are surely remarkable. With each invention, the course to a zero-emission global energized by solar energy becomes extra visible. As a result, embracing solar energy as the muse of our sustainable future isn’t always a preference it is a want. By harnessing the sun’s countless energy, we can create a cleanser, more egalitarian society, leaving a legacy of energy, safety and environmental duty for future generations.

13 References

[1]        A. O. M. Maka and J. M. Alabid, “Solar energy technology and its roles in sustainable development,” Clean Energy, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 476–483, Jun. 2022, doi: 10.1093/ce/zkac023.

[2]        A. O. M. Maka, S. Salem, and M. Mehmood, “Solar photovoltaic (PV) applications in Libya: Challenges, potential, opportunities and future perspectives,” Clean Eng Technol, vol. 5, p. 100267, Dec. 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.clet.2021.100267.

[3]        Mohd. R. S. Shaikh, “A Review Paper on Electricity Generation from Solar Energy,” Int J Res Appl Sci Eng Technol, vol. V, no. IX, pp. 1884–1889, Sep. 2017, doi: 10.22214/ijraset.2017.9272.

[4]        M. Amado and F. Poggi, “Solar Urban Planning: A Parametric Approach,” Energy Procedia, vol. 48, pp. 1539–1548, 2014, doi: 10.1016/j.egypro.2014.02.174.

[5]        R. J. Lowe and P. Drummond, “Solar, wind and logistic substitution in global energy supply to 2050 – Barriers and implications,” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 153, p. 111720, Jan. 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2021.111720.

[6]        C. S. Kaunda, C. Z. Kimambo, and T. K. Nielsen, “Hydropower in the Context of Sustainable Energy Supply: A Review of Technologies and Challenges,” ISRN Renewable Energy, vol. 2012, pp. 1–15, Dec. 2012, doi: 10.5402/2012/730631.

[7]        J. Luis, L. M. Sidek, M. N. M. Desa, and P. Y. Julien, “Sustainability of hydropower as a source of renewable and clean energy,” IOP Conf Ser Earth Environ Sci, vol. 16, p. 012050, Jun. 2013, doi: 10.1088/1755-1315/16/1/012050.

[8]        T. Güney, “Solar energy, governance and CO2 emissions,” Renew Energy, vol. 184, pp. 791–798, Jan. 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.renene.2021.11.124.

[9]        A. Manzella, “Geothermal energy,” EPJ Web Conf, vol. 148, p. 00012, Jul. 2017, doi: 10.1051/epjconf/201714800012.

[10]      S. S. Salazar, Y. Muñoz, and A. Ospino, “Analysis of geothermal energy as an alternative source for electricity in Colombia,” Geothermal Energy, vol. 5, no. 1, p. 27, Dec. 2017, doi: 10.1186/s40517-017-0084-x.

[11]      R. Seminario-Córdova and R. Rojas-Ortega, “Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Production: A Bibliometric Analysis of the Last Five Years,” Sustainability, vol. 15, no. 13, p. 10499, Jul. 2023, doi: 10.3390/su151310499.

[12]      E. Islam, A. Shah, and T. A. Karim, “Role of Renewable Energy Policy in Ensuring Net-Zero Carbon Emissions and Energy Sustainability: A Bangladesh Perspective,” 2023, pp. 59–77. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-24545-9_4.

[13]      G. O. G. Löf, J. A. Duffie, and C. O. Smith, “World distribution of solar radiation,” Solar Energy, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 27–37, Jan. 1966, doi: 10.1016/0038-092X(66)90069-7.

[14]      L. Zhao, R. Cao, and Y. Wang, “Solar energy investment, technological innovation and carbon emission reduction: Evidence from China,” Front Energy Res, vol. 10, Jan. 2023, doi: 10.3389/fenrg.2022.1104071.

[15]      B. Szetela, A. Majewska, P. Jamroz, B. Djalilov, and R. Salahodjaev, “Renewable Energy and CO2 Emissions in Top Natural Resource Rents Depending Countries: The Role of Governance,” Front Energy Res, vol. 10, Mar. 2022, doi: 10.3389/fenrg.2022.872941.

[16]      A. M. Soomar, A. Hakeem, M. Messaoudi, P. Musznicki, A. Iqbal, and S. Czapp, “Solar Photovoltaic Energy Optimization and Challenges,” Front Energy Res, vol. 10, May 2022, doi: 10.3389/fenrg.2022.879985.

[17]      S. Asfar Ahmad Jafri et al., “Enhancing photovoltaic efficiency: Integrating graphene and advanced interface layers to reduce the recombination losses in lead-free MASnI3 perovskite solar cells,” Solar Energy, vol. 270, p. 112391, Mar. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.solener.2024.112391.

[18]      P. A. Owusu and S. Asumadu-Sarkodie, “A review of renewable energy sources, sustainability issues and climate change mitigation,” Cogent Eng, vol. 3, no. 1, p. 1167990, Dec. 2016, doi: 10.1080/23311916.2016.1167990.

[19]      D. Dodman, “Blaming cities for climate change? An analysis of urban greenhouse gas emissions inventories,” Environ Urban, vol. 21, no. 1, pp. 185–201, Apr. 2009, doi: 10.1177/0956247809103016.

[20]      C. Hachem-Vermette and K. Singh, “Developing an optimization methodology for urban energy resources mix,” Appl Energy, vol. 269, p. 115066, Jul. 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2020.115066.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button