Sostituire le fossili con le rinnovabili si può? - PresaDiretta 21/03/2022

The Future of Renewable Energy

Overview of Renewable Energy Development

• The last 25 years have seen significant advancements in renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power, which have drastically reduced in cost. In the 1970s, solar electricity was priced at $78 per watt; today it costs around $0.35 to $0.40 per watt.

• Countries like Costa Rica are leading the way by committing to abandon fossil fuels entirely, emphasizing an ethical duty to innovate and lead globally in clean energy solutions. The imperative for decarbonization is highlighted as a historical challenge for this generation.

Achievements in Decarbonization

• Costa Rica has completed 65% of its decarbonization plan and currently produces 100% of its electricity from renewable sources. Efforts are underway to utilize excess renewable electricity for green hydrogen production, aiming to transform the transportation sector.

• The absence of military expenditures allows Costa Rica to focus on environmental issues, condemning global conflicts such as the invasion of Ukraine while advocating for international law and multilateralism as means to ensure peace and address environmental challenges.

Europe's Energy Transition

• There is a call for Europe to accelerate its transition towards renewables amidst ongoing reliance on natural gas—a fossil fuel—highlighting that Europe possesses both technology and natural resources necessary for this shift. A proposed law in Costa Rica aims to permanently halt oil and gas exploration within its territory due to geopolitical concerns linked with fossil fuel dependency.

• Every dollar spent on oil contributes not only to war but also corruption; instead, these funds could be reinvested locally into clean energy initiatives, promoting economic sustainability rather than dependence on foreign resources like Russian gas used for heating and cooking across Europe.

Potential of Solar Power in Europe

• Research indicates that renewable sources could meet all energy needs across Europe; calculations based on 2018 consumption suggest that covering regions like Sicily with solar panels could suffice for the entire continent's energy requirements. This includes utilizing existing infrastructure such as railways and highways for panel installation.

• Experts believe that Europe can achieve energy independence through renewables, creating decentralized energy systems less vulnerable to attacks compared to centralized nuclear facilities or large-scale fossil fuel operations. This perspective emphasizes resilience against geopolitical threats stemming from reliance on traditional energy sources.

Case Study: Extremadura's Solar Initiative

• Spain’s Extremadura region hosts Europe's largest photovoltaic plant capable of producing approximately 480 megawatts; this initiative reflects a broader commitment towards sustainable practices initiated around 2016 when local leaders recognized changing times as an opportunity for growth in renewable sectors by reforming laws related to company formation and authorization processes.

• The region now inaugurates about 1,000 megawatts annually from renewables, positioning itself as part of the solution amid crises exacerbated by geopolitical tensions such as those instigated by Russia's actions in Ukraine—demonstrating how local efforts can contribute significantly toward global sustainability goals.

Energy Transition and Fossil Fuel Dependency

Importance of Territorial Control in Energy Production

• The control of territory is crucial for understanding where fossil fuels are produced, particularly oil. This highlights the need for technology to harness renewable energy sources like solar power, which can be easily produced in Italy.

Urgency of Moving Away from Fossil Fuels

• A study commissioned by Greenpeace emphasizes the urgency of abandoning fossil fuel dependency in Italy, linking it to current conflicts and climate emergencies. The research indicates that this transition is not only necessary but also feasible.

Scenarios for Decarbonization

• Greenpeace's study presents two scenarios: one ambitious scenario aims for total decarbonization of the economy by 2040, projecting a doubling of jobs in the sector with an investment of approximately €37 billion. This investment would offset costs through reduced fossil gas imports.

Renewable Energy Potential in Italy

• Italy has significant potential to generate electricity from renewable sources, aiming for 70-75% generation within three years through solar and wind installations. This shift could lead to a marginalization of gas dependency within a short timeframe.

Commitment to Phasing Out Coal

• There is a strong commitment to shutting down coal plants by 2025 despite current crises prompting discussions about reverting to coal usage. The goal remains clear: transitioning towards renewable energy sources without backtracking on decarbonization efforts.

Strategic Shift Towards Renewables Amidst Crisis

• Current geopolitical tensions highlight the necessity for Europe to pivot towards renewable energy as a strategic response, likening this moment to a pivotal point similar to September 11th for the energy sector. The focus should be on increasing renewables and hydrogen efficiency as part of this transition strategy.