The Transition to 100% Renewable Energy Versus the Global Temperature Scenarios: A Perspective Analysis

This study examines the role of renewable energy (RE) in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and managing global temperature rise. It uses the EN-ROADS model to quantify four scenarios based on emission reduction targets and mitigation options, including electrification, energy efficiency, deforestation, and greenhouse gas (GHG) abatement. The study reveals both challenges and opportunities for achieving a high-level renewable energy supply system globally. Four different scenarios are hypothesised to compare how different emissions targets and mitigation strategies impact global temperature scenarios. An integrated assessment model is used to analyse these hypotheses and their implications on factors such as global temperature, GHG emissions, and energy storage breakthroughs. The findings are valuable in developing policies towards the 100% RE vision. The analysis shows that with an increasing renewable share, the global temperature can be achieved at 100, 89, and 70% RE by 2100 for 1.5, 2.0, and 1.1 °C, while the baseline scenario would likely keep the global average temperature at 3.3 °C. Energy storage is also crucial in the global primary energy mix, as providing between 14% and 17% of the final energy consumption and 7–9% of electricity generation would facilitate the 100% renewable energy goal.