The Role of Alternative Energy Sources for a Clean Future

The world is experiencing a global shift in the energy sector. Through increased conversations and efforts, the dream of a clean and sustainable energy future now seems achievable. Due to the damage and inadequacy of fossil fuels, the role of alternative energy sources for a clean future cannot be overemphasized.

According to world data, 13% of the world’s population lacks access to electricity. Fossil fuels, used to meet a vast percentage of the world’s energy demand, are the largest sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These greenhouse gas emissions lead to health complications and climate change, the effects of which include increased temperatures, flooding, etc.

The United Nations reports that the world is warming at the fastest rate ever recorded. The effects of climate change are becoming more prominent; impacts on crop yields and the rising sea levels could spiral world hunger and poverty. Moreover, the loopholes and eminent consequences that fossil fuels create are costly and progress-damping. Therefore, there is a need for a transition towards alternative energy sources for a clean future.

The abundance of solar radiation, wind power, rivers, waterfalls, food and agricultural waste provide opportunities that can be explored. An advantage to these new alternatives is that, in the long run, they are less capital-intensive than fossil fuel technologies.

Undoubtedly, some countries are more advantaged toward various renewable energy sources. For this reason, governments must identify local renewable resources that can be harnessed towards more resilient and sustainable economic futures and modernized power sectors.

Countries like Norway, Germany, the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) have devised plans to phase out fossil fuels. For example, as a part of the clean cars 2030 bill, the United States has made plans to ban the sale of fuel and diesel cars by 2030. Egypt also aims to have only electric vehicles by 2030.

According to World bank reports, 43% of people in sub-Saharan Africa do not have reliable electricity, and millions more are connected to an unreliable grid that does not meet their daily energy service needs. Notwithstanding, the sub-Saharan region is home to abundant renewable energy sources.

Regrettably, renewable energy’s potential has been poorly harnessed due to a lack of technical expertise, poor financing, and inadequate policy mechanisms to develop these projects. However, this presents an opportunity for private and public stakeholders to work together in exploring the role of alternative energy sources for a clean future on the continent. Through collaboration, stakeholders can determine the best energy solutions for each area depending on several factors, such as available resources, funding, and project sustainability.

Leaders in the continent can adopt tested and proven models and implement them for generating sustainable energy to facilitate grid extension and micro-grid deployments. This would enable Africa to reach unconnected areas and slowly close its energy access deficit gap. In addition, utility and tariff structures must be fair, stable, and sustainable to ensure cost-effective and reliable delivery to end users and proper maintenance of valuable energy infrastructure. Alternative energy sources are amassing with distinct daunting challenges in various regions. The collective actions and inactions of world leaders concerning the opportunities, challenges, and emerging global developments would determine the future of energy. However, one thing is clear, exploring alternative energy sources is key to achieving a clean energy future, preserving our planet and improving the quality of life we lead.