Latest news with #EnergyTransitionsCommission
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
New ETC report demonstrates that wind and solar-dominant power systems are competitive, reliable, and technically and economically feasible
LONDON, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Energy Transitions Commission (ETC) has today published a landmark report, Power Systems Transformation: Delivering Competitive, Resilient Electricity in High-Renewable Systems. The report sets out that global power systems dominated by wind and solar generation can reliably deliver electricity at costs comparable to or lower than today's fossil fuel-based power systems in most parts of the world. Electricity is projected to provide up to 70% of global final energy consumption in a decarbonised energy system, growing from around 20% today. Total global electricity demand could potentially triple, reaching 90,000 TWh by 2050 compared to 30,000 TWh today, and be met with new generation predominantly from wind and solar. A Global Opportunity The report shows that many countries can operate power systems with 70% or more electricity from wind and solar, using proven technologies available today, like battery storage, other energy storage, long-distance transmission, and flexible energy use. It highlights significant regional opportunities: "Sun belt" countries – including India, Mexico, and much of Africa – are best-positioned to cut power system costs by transitioning to low-cost, solar-led systems, which mainly require day-night balancing. In contrast, "wind belt" countries – such as the UK, Germany, and Canada – that rely on higher shares of wind face higher balancing costs, but can still achieve affordable, stable systems through smart policy and innovation. In many regions, long-distance transmission lines can be one of the most cost-effective solutions to balancing supply and demand, and should be maximised where feasible. Rapid electrification of buildings, transport and industries and decarbonisation of power systems must advance together to keep costs per kilowatt-hour affordable for consumers and businesses. "Multiple technologies, including nuclear and geothermal, may play a role in zero-carbon power systems. But wind and solar will be the dominant source of power in most countries, providing 70% or more of electricity at costs at or below today's fossil-based systems. In particular, in the global sun belt, the collapsing cost of solar PV and batteries makes possible far cheaper and more rapid growth in green electricity supply than seemed feasible 10 years ago. But wind belt countries can also achieve cost-effective decarbonisation by leading in offshore wind, long-duration storage, and grid innovation." said Adair Turner, Chair of the Energy Transitions Commission. Key Findings: It is technically possible for wind- and solar-dominant systems to be stable and resilient with the right mix of balancing and grid technologies. These systems are no more likely to experience blackouts than thermal generation-dominated systems. High wind and solar systems can be competitive with today's wholesale prices and grid costs. Sun belt countries could see costs more than halve to $30-$40/MWh by 2050. Wind-dependent country costs (e.g., UK) are higher, but in the future could be comparable to current levels. The "last mile" of decarbonisation will be the most expensive, particularly in countries which need ultra-long duration balancing to meet seasonal variations in supply and demand. Once countries have reached very low levels of carbon intensity (e.g., less than 50g per kWh), electrification is more important than rapid last-mile decarbonisation. Up to 30% of all global power demand could be time-shifted through demand-side flexibility. This requires the development of dynamic pricing and the use of smart management technologies. Grid costs per kWh can be kept stable. Total global grid length will need to more than double by 2050, reaching around 150–200 million km. Annual grid investment could rise from $370 billion in 2024, peaking at $870 billion in the 2030s. However, ~35% of grid expansion costs (equivalent to $1.3 trillion in Europe1) could be avoided between now and 2050 through the usage of innovative grid technologies. Delivering low-cost, high variable renewable energy power systems will require strategic vision and planning, including market reform to put all technologies on a level playing field, grid modernisation enabled by innovative technologies, supply chain development strategies and customer engagement. "Clean electricity is essential for climate action and is the most affordable way to power economic development. Countries can build resilient economies fit for the future by investing in renewables, grids, and flexibility now. Indeed it is their obligation to do so, according to the recent ICJ advisory opinion. Low-cost, clean power is what people, industry and businesses want. Countries must deliver it now, and this report shows that they can." said Christiana Figueres, Founding Partner, Global Optimism. Policymakers, the power industry, and financial institutions should collaborate to ensure: Appropriate planning of high wind/solar systems to expedite planning approvals and minimise deployment bottlenecks. Electrification of demand that keeps pace with generation and grid build-out to avoid the cost per kWh increasing for consumers. Accelerate power market reforms to unlock investment in critical technologies. Address workforce and supply chain bottlenecks to enable delivery at scale. "Renewables are the core of the global energy transition, delivering clean, reliable, and affordable power. Wind, solar, hydropower, geothermal, storage and modern grids are transforming electricity systems and opening new opportunities for growth, investment, and energy security. To keep this momentum, deployment must advance alongside grid expansion, market reform, and investment. Together, these build competitive, resilient systems that support jobs and economic progress. With governments leading and the private sector supporting, renewables will deliver a clean, secure, and just energy future." said Bruce Douglas, CEO at Global Renewables Alliance. The ETC also published a supplementary briefing, Connecting the World: Long-Distance Transmission as a Key Enabler of a Zero-Carbon Economy, focused on the role of cross-border interconnectors and long-distance transmission in accelerating the energy transition. Additional Quotes Additional quotes from Ausgrid, Iberdrola, Mission Possible Partnership, Octopus Energy, Schneider Electric, SSE, Ember, and Transition Zero are available here. About the ETC:Power Systems Transformation: Delivering Competitive, Resilient Electricity in High-Renewable Systems was developed in collaboration with ETC members from across industry, financial institutions, and civil society. The Energy Transitions Commission is a global coalition of leaders from across the energy landscape committed to achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century. This report constitutes a collective view of the ETC; however, it should not be taken as members agreeing with every finding or recommendation. Download the report: For further information on the ETC, please visit: 1 BNEF (2024), New Energy Outlook. Logo - View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Energy Transitions Commission Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Cision Canada
2 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
New ETC report demonstrates that wind and solar-dominant power systems are competitive, reliable, and technically and economically feasible
LONDON, July 29, 2025 /CNW/ -- The Energy Transitions Commission (ETC) has today published a landmark report, Power Systems Transformation: Delivering Competitive, Resilient Electricity in High-Renewable Systems. The report sets out that global power systems dominated by wind and solar generation can reliably deliver electricity at costs comparable to or lower than today's fossil fuel-based power systems in most parts of the world. Electricity is projected to provide up to 70% of global final energy consumption in a decarbonised energy system, growing from around 20% today. Total global electricity demand could potentially triple, reaching 90,000 TWh by 2050 compared to 30,000 TWh today, and be met with new generation predominantly from wind and solar. A Global Opportunity The report shows that many countries can operate power systems with 70% or more electricity from wind and solar, using proven technologies available today, like battery storage, other energy storage, long-distance transmission, and flexible energy use. It highlights significant regional opportunities: "Sun belt" countries – including India, Mexico, and much of Africa – are best-positioned to cut power system costs by transitioning to low-cost, solar-led systems, which mainly require day-night balancing. In contrast, "wind belt" countries – such as the UK, Germany, and Canada – that rely on higher shares of wind face higher balancing costs, but can still achieve affordable, stable systems through smart policy and innovation. In many regions, long-distance transmission lines can be one of the most cost-effective solutions to balancing supply and demand, and should be maximised where feasible. Rapid electrification of buildings, transport and industries and decarbonisation of power systems must advance together to keep costs per kilowatt-hour affordable for consumers and businesses. "Multiple technologies, including nuclear and geothermal, may play a role in zero-carbon power systems. But wind and solar will be the dominant source of power in most countries, providing 70% or more of electricity at costs at or below today's fossil-based systems. In particular, in the global sun belt, the collapsing cost of solar PV and batteries makes possible far cheaper and more rapid growth in green electricity supply than seemed feasible 10 years ago. But wind belt countries can also achieve cost-effective decarbonisation by leading in offshore wind, long-duration storage, and grid innovation." said Adair Turner, Chair of the Energy Transitions Commission. Key Findings: It is technically possible for wind- and solar-dominant systems to be stable and resilient with the right mix of balancing and grid technologies. These systems are no more likely to experience blackouts than thermal generation-dominated systems. High wind and solar systems can be competitive with today's wholesale prices and grid costs. Sun belt countries could see costs more than halve to $30-$40/MWh by 2050. Wind-dependent country costs (e.g., UK) are higher, but in the future could be comparable to current levels. The "last mile" of decarbonisation will be the most expensive, particularly in countries which need ultra-long duration balancing to meet seasonal variations in supply and demand. Once countries have reached very low levels of carbon intensity (e.g., less than 50g per kWh), electrification is more important than rapid last-mile decarbonisation. Up to 30% of all global power demand could be time-shifted through demand-side flexibility. This requires the development of dynamic pricing and the use of smart management technologies. Grid costs per kWh can be kept stable. Total global grid length will need to more than double by 2050, reaching around 150–200 million km. Annual grid investment could rise from $370 billion in 2024, peaking at $870 billion in the 2030s. However, ~35% of grid expansion costs (equivalent to $1.3 trillion in Europe 1) could be avoided between now and 2050 through the usage of innovative grid technologies. Delivering low-cost, high variable renewable energy power systems will require strategic vision and planning, including market reform to put all technologies on a level playing field, grid modernisation enabled by innovative technologies, supply chain development strategies and customer engagement. "Clean electricity is essential for climate action and is the most affordable way to power economic development. Countries can build resilient economies fit for the future by investing in renewables, grids, and flexibility now. Indeed it is their obligation to do so, according to the recent ICJ advisory opinion. Low-cost, clean power is what people, industry and businesses want. Countries must deliver it now, and this report shows that they can." said Christiana Figueres, Founding Partner, Global Optimism. Policymakers, the power industry, and financial institutions should collaborate to ensure: Appropriate planning of high wind/solar systems to expedite planning approvals and minimise deployment bottlenecks. Electrification of demand that keeps pace with generation and grid build-out to avoid the cost per kWh increasing for consumers. Accelerate power market reforms to unlock investment in critical technologies. Address workforce and supply chain bottlenecks to enable delivery at scale. "Renewables are the core of the global energy transition, delivering clean, reliable, and affordable power. Wind, solar, hydropower, geothermal, storage and modern grids are transforming electricity systems and opening new opportunities for growth, investment, and energy security. To keep this momentum, deployment must advance alongside grid expansion, market reform, and investment. Together, these build competitive, resilient systems that support jobs and economic progress. With governments leading and the private sector supporting, renewables will deliver a clean, secure, and just energy future." s aid Bruce Douglas, CEO at Global Renewables Alliance. The ETC also published a supplementary briefing, , focused on the role of cross-border interconnectors and long-distance transmission in accelerating the energy transition. Additional Quotes Additional quotes from Ausgrid, Iberdrola, Mission Possible Partnership, Octopus Energy, Schneider Electric, SSE, Ember, and Transition Zero are available here. About the ETC: Power Systems Transformation: Delivering Competitive, Resilient Electricity in High-Renewable Systems was developed in collaboration with ETC members from across industry, financial institutions, and civil society. The Energy Transitions Commission is a global coalition of leaders from across the energy landscape committed to achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century. This report constitutes a collective view of the ETC; however, it should not be taken as members agreeing with every finding or recommendation.
Reuters
30-04-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Iberia mess places timely focus on grid resilience
LONDON, April 30 (Reuters Breakingviews) - The mass blackouts that brought Spain and Portugal to a standstill earlier this week were unprecedented in their scale. Authorities have yet to establish the definitive cause of the disruption, with an Iberian over-reliance on low-carbon energy, electricity exports to other countries and even cyberattacks all bandied around as potential culprits. That creates a risk to the low-carbon energy transition, but also an opportunity. Spanish grid operator Red Eléctrica identified a 'strong oscillation' in power flows at around midday on Monday, triggering a precipitous drop in electricity generation. The loss overwhelmed the network, which was initially disconnected from the wider European power system before suffering a much bigger collapse. Neighbouring Portugal, which imports electricity from Spain, was caught up in the cascading failure. Grid problems are far from unusual, even if the 60% of the Spanish network affected this time is. In 2019, a lightning strike and a series of subsequent mishaps cut off power, opens new tab to a million UK customers. But while it's a good thing that wind and solar power supply over 60% of Spain's electricity, such a relatively high national proportion can make transmission networks more brittle in the face of unforeseen outages. That's because the massive rotating generators used in nuclear and fossil fuel plants keep turning and generating power when supply falls, through so-called 'inertia'. The risk now is that forces hostile to decarbonisation seize on the confusion and blame the mess on the fact that solar and wind generation don't have much inertia unless they've been fitted with spinning machines that provide grid stability. Given that energy experts have long understood the problem, and Spain may just not have had enough of these so-called 'synchronous condensers', that would be highly misleading. But President Donald Trump's hostility to net zero considerations has emboldened fellow green sceptics. Yet, absent official findings showing green energy was more centrally to blame, Spain's grid disaster may also have a silver lining. Steps like replacing polluting petrol cars with electric vehicles mean that electricity's share of energy demand, opens new tab will need to grow from around 20% today, to up to 70% by 2050. To avoid this torrent of zero-carbon energy swamping the grid or being shut out of it, the Energy Transitions Commission reckons grid investment needs to rise from around $300 billion a year today to $800 billion in 2050. These funds should allow for the replacement of old lines and the construction of new ones, as well as upgrading grid capabilities. But it's easy to see how ostensibly more pressing requirements like rearmament shove these considerations down the priority list. If nothing else, Spain's situation could bring creaking energy networks to the forefront of European lawmakers' minds. Follow @jenjohn_, opens new tab on X CONTEXT NEWS Spain and Portugal suffered the worst blackout in their history on April 28 following cascading failure on the electricity transmission network. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the country lost 15 gigawatts of electricity generation in just five seconds, or around 60% of national demand. The outage grounded planes and stopped metro services, while hospitals were forced to cancel routine procedures. Electricity was largely restored to both countries by the afternoon of April 29, though the cause of the failure has not yet been established. Spain's High Court will investigate whether energy infrastructure was deliberately sabotaged. Grid operator REE has ruled out a cyberattack, and suggested a connection failure with France triggered the blackouts. For more insights like these, click here, opens new tab to try Breakingviews for free.
