Global Renewable Energy and Biofuel Scenarios

Abstract

Renewable energy is a promising alternative solution in the near future because it is clean and environmentally safe. Biofuels are expected to reduce dependence on imported petroleum with its associated political and economic vulnerability, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants, and revitalize the economy by increasing demand and prices for agricultural products. Projections are important tools for long term planning and policy settings. The most significant developments in renewable energy production will be expected in photovoltaics (PVs) (from 0.2 to 784 Mtoe) and wind energy (from 4.7 to 688 Mtoe) between 2001 and 2040. PV systems and wind energy will be able to play an important role in the energy scenarios of the future. Biomass is the most used renewable energy source now and in future. The potential of sustainable large hydro is quite limited to some regions in the world. The potential for small hydro (< 10 MW) power is still significant and more significant in future. Geothermal and solar thermal sources are more important energy sources in future. PV will then be the largest renewable electricity source with a production of 25.1% of global power generation in 2040.