Renewable energy is powered by natural phenomena such as sunlight or wind, which are abundant in most parts of the world. When deployed at scale, renewables can provide some of the lowest-cost electricity worldwide today — and with continued advances in technology and falling costs, they’ll continue to become cheaper. They can decarbonize 90 percent of the power sector by 2050 — providing massive reductions in carbon emissions and significantly mitigating climate change.
They can help nations break their dependence on fossil fuel imports. About six billion people live in countries that are net-importers of oil, gas and coal, making them vulnerable to price shocks and climate risks. Renewables can also help them diversify their economies, creating new jobs, economic development and poverty alleviation. They can also offer opportunities for inclusion, enabling electricity access and economic empowerment in remote communities far from main grids.
Renewables can be used in a wide range of applications, from electricity generation and water heating to transportation and agriculture. They can replace traditional fossil fuels in internal combustion engines to produce a clean, renewable alternative called biofuels or power vehicles using hydrogen fuel cells from renewable electricity. These forms of renewable energy offer improved air quality, which can lead to fewer illnesses and deaths from harmful pollutants.
As more people embrace the benefits of renewables, they’re gaining momentum in political support. Today, majorities of Americans across political affiliations support expanding solar and wind energy. Increasing renewables helps reduce the volatility of fossil fuel prices, saving consumers money and protecting them against future price spikes.
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