It is well known that combating and slowing down climate change is essential for the environment and humanity’s future. Nevertheless, the existing energy models are based on Fossil fuels – coal, oil, gas, and petroleum – yet, there are significant disadvantages to utilizing fossil fuels as a primary energy source. Such disadvantages refer to the following facts:

  • Based on the current consumption rate, fossil fuels are in short supply, with an estimated complete depletion by 2060.
  • The world’s energy demands will not be satisfied if the supply of fossil fuels runs out without a backup plan. It is unknown exactly how much fossil fuel is left with varying global usage rates. Still, we can estimate how much proven reserves are gone.
  • Humanity’s combustion of fossil fuels as it over-consumes resources has created a complex set of environmental, social, and economic problems and disastrous climate consequences for the planet.

With this being said, what are the alternatives to fossil fuels? The answer includes cleaner technologies, such as renewable energy combined with better energy storage and increased efficiency, which can help to promote a cleaner energy system with zero carbon emissions. Although renewable energy technologies are frequently positioned as the only solutions required to fulfill future energy system goals. In truth, renewable energy alone is insufficient. Given statement is why there is a need to be a difference in how energy is produced, distributed, stored, and consumed.

Renewable energy cannot only be used across energy systems to replace the use of fossil fuels, primarily because of the variance in the ability of different energy sectors to switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Alternative energy methods to replace fossil fuel-based energy production are not yet available at the global level or scale needed.

Building Sustainable Energy Models

Based on the above mentioned, it is in society’s hands to develop and implement new technologies that allow sustainable energy models. Sustainable energy models are systems where energy is produced, distributed, stored and consumed with renewable energy sources. Meaning the energy can be produced and utilized again. Renewable and sustainable energy sources are not at risk of being depleted, expired, or vanished.

Therefore, when evaluating energy models, it is essential to first consider environmental, sustainability, and conservation aspects. Likewise, it is imperative to assess the ability of different energy models to measure the impacts and possibilities of renewable and sustainable energy compared to fossil fuels. But what does this entail? Well, it is all about finding the right balance between cleaner energy sources and fossil fuels. In other words, a hybrid model.

For example, today, Iceland’s economy, ranging from providing heat and electricity for single-family homes to meeting the needs of energy-intensive industries, is primarily powered by green energy from hydro and geothermal sources. The only exception is a reliance on fossil fuels for transport. Such an example showcases the vitality of comparing and contrasting different energy models to see the various outcomes they produce and what works best based on their needs. Because every country is unique, each transition will be different. Iceland’s conversion is, therefore, a meaningful success story rather than a “one model for all” approach. Just as geothermal and hydropower generation made sense for the energy transition in Iceland, local conditions elsewhere will determine which renewable resources are the most efficient and how they will be best exploited.

But the question remains: can we achieve a sustainable energy model? In all honesty, fossil fuels will be part of the global energy system for decades to come, whether we like it or not. They will continue to support social and economic development around the world. From that perspective, an open and transparent debate on the role of fossil fuels in sustainable energy systems across the globe is essential for creating practical climate strategies.

by info@nakasawaresources.com