The world's fossil fuel can be replaced by renewables by 2050, but the current action must be dramatic and without precedent. Solar, wind, geothermal, and hydro power should also be implemented very quickly. The recent growth is encouraging but it should increase greatly on a global basis. This transformation needs huge and long term investment and political will.
There are major hurdles, most of which revolve around infrastructure and intermittency. Construction of huge new transmission infrastructure and the deployment of enough grid-scale storage is much needed in terms of reliability. It is required that manufacturing of essential minerals and technologies be scaled up. Global supply chains have to be well integrated, and permitting should be streamlined to prevent delays.
Renewables are becoming more economical. Nonetheless, the trillions of investment required every year cannot proceed without rock-solid policy frameworks. Fossil fuel subsidies are to be phased out and good carbon pricing worldwide is needed to ensure that capital can be decisively shifted to clean energy.
Modernization of the grid is a basic necessity. This entails the combination of a wide range of varying renewable sources in order to achieve this which would require smart grid solutions and high capacity energy storage at a huge scale. The issue of improving the current infrastructure in the world is non-negotiable as far as stability of the system is concerned.
The question of success will come down to an unprecedented international collaboration. The decarbonization objective is urgent and national policies should be adjusted to it. It is of paramount importance to provide the emerging economies with substantial financial and technological aid that should assist them to transition and guarantee the world with global supersession.
Conclusion:
It is possible to replace fossil fuels with renewables worldwide, but there is no other option than radical measures. It must have unrivaled political will, large long-term investment, expedited deployment, a strong grid modernization, and equitable international cooperation. This transition is necessary, and feasible due to technological development, economic feasibility and the need based on environmental necessities. It is essential to have an immediate decisive implementation.
