Latest news with #AdairTurner
Cision Canada
28-07-2025
- 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.
Observer
06-02-2025
- Politics
- Observer
When the world pauses, nature pays the price
The 90-day stop order on USAID funding was announced quietly, wrapped in bureaucratic language. Three months. A temporary pause. Nothing to worry about. Except in the world of climate action, time is never on our side. In those three months, conservation efforts stall, species lose vital protections and critical climate initiatives falter. A coral reef left unmonitored for a season can suffer irreversible bleaching. A mangrove forest, once promised restoration, remains vulnerable to rising tides. A coastal community expecting resilience support is left exposed to the next storm. But the damage is not limited to the environment. This funding freeze has sent shockwaves far beyond climate action. Across the world, global health programmes have been thrown into uncertainty, leaving malaria treatments delayed and maternal health services disrupted. Humanitarian aid efforts have been suspended, food security programmes have been left without resources and countless initiatives designed to protect lives and livelihoods now hang in the balance. What was once a temporary policy decision has now spiraled into a global crisis affecting those who can least afford it. As chaos unfolds across multiple sectors, one thing has become clear. The world cannot afford to be held hostage by policy shifts in one country. Lord Adair Turner has called for China, the EU and the UK to step up and form a climate coalition independent of the US, warning that the planet does not have the luxury of waiting. When a major player steps back, the responsibility falls on the rest of the world to push forward. Here in Oman, we are already feeling the strain. The Environment Society of Oman's Marine Turtle Conservation project has been directly affected. This long-term programme, supported by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, has been at the forefront of protecting some of the region's most endangered marine species. For decades, it has safeguarded nesting sites, monitored turtle populations and worked alongside local communities to ensure these ancient creatures have a future in our waters. Now, we are scrambling to find ways to keep this work going. Every survey, every community engagement and every protective measure is a battle against time and dwindling resources. The work must continue, because conservation does not wait for funding cycles to align. A turtle's journey to lay her eggs does not pause while policies are reconsidered. The threats these species face from rising temperatures to habitat destruction are relentless. Oman, like many nations, must decide to forge a new path. We need stronger regional collaboration, private investment in sustainability and policies that make conservation a national priority rather than an externally funded initiative. If Europe and China can find ways to push forward despite geopolitical tensions, we must take control of our environmental future rather than being at the mercy of decisions beyond our borders. At the ESO, we refuse to sit back and watch our efforts unravel. But we cannot do it alone. Now more than ever, we need partners, supporters and individuals who believe that protecting Oman's marine life is not just an environmental issue, but a responsibility. This is about safeguarding our country's natural heritage for future generations. If you care about Oman's wildlife, its ecosystems and its future, reach out. Extend a helping hand. Together, we will ensure this work continues, because while policies may change, our duty to this planet does not. The writer is an environmental strategist and advocate for sustainable development
