This report summarizes the findings of over 120 researchers on the potential for renewable energy usage by midcentury. The six renewable energy technologies reviewed are: bioenergy, direct solar energy, geothermal energy, hydropower, ocean energy and wind energy. Four in-depth scenarios are analyzed to show a range of possibilities. The study's most optimistic conclusion is that "close to 80 percent of the world’s energy supply could be met by renewables by mid-century if backed by the right enabling public policies." The most pessimistic conclusion is that renewables would account for only 15 percent of total energy in 2050, in line with its present share.
IPCC SRREN
June 14, 2011
To read the Summary for Policy Makers, click here .
To read the full report, click here.
