Shine, baby, shine: Solar energy is fuelling the energy transition at high speed

Core Insights - Competitive renewable technologies such as solar, wind, and batteries are driving the shift from fossil fuels to renewables, with solar leading the way even amid global unrest [1][4] - Statkraft's annual report analyzes the energy transition across three scenarios: optimistic, delayed, and one marked by global unrest [2] Scenario Analysis - In the green scenario, global warming can be limited to 1.9 degrees, aligning with the Paris Agreement's 2 degrees goal, but insufficient for the 1.5 degrees target [3] - If the energy transition does not maintain a high pace, a temperature increase of around 2.4 degrees is predicted, leading to significant consequences [3][4] Emission Reduction and Challenges - Achieving the 2-degree target of the Paris Agreement requires a faster pace of emission cuts than currently observed, with geopolitical tensions and economic challenges impacting the transition speed [4] - The last and most challenging emission cuts, particularly in industry and long-distance transport, are becoming harder and more expensive than previously assumed [4] Renewable Energy Growth - Renewable energy is essential not only for replacing coal and gas but also for accelerating the electrification of transportation and heating [5] - Investments in clean energy and infrastructure in 2024 were nearly double those in fossil fuels globally, with solar generation expected to grow 3-6 times from 2024 to 2035 and 6-12 times by 2050 [6] Future Projections - The share of renewables globally is expected to exceed 50 percent by 2035 and cover 66-80 percent of the power mix by 2050 [6] - Annual clean power production is anticipated to soon exceed global power demand, indicating that peak emissions from the power sector are likely behind us [7] Energy Security and Competitiveness - Renewable energy is crucial for achieving climate targets and ensuring energy security and competitiveness in Europe [8] - The EU has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by over a third since 1990 while experiencing significant economic growth, demonstrating the feasibility of cutting emissions alongside economic development [9] Key Trends - Solar and wind power are projected to become the largest energy sources globally by 2035 [10] - The significant drop in battery costs is enabling critical flexibility necessary for deploying more wind and solar power [10] - Gas is expected to remain part of the energy mix longer than anticipated due to scaling challenges faced by hydrogen [10]