The energy shift: Towards a renewable future

Abstract

In the beginning of the 21st century renewable energies still represented a minor part of the total world energy consumption. However, especially due to harmful emissions and climate change, the situation is changing drastically in many countries. Expectations are that renewables will play a major role by the end of this century. In this paper some of the most promising technologies are referred. The issue of costs - investment and energy costs - is also addressed.