- Solar and wind power capacity has more than doubled since 2018, playing a crucial role in reducing CO2 emissions and achieving climate goals.
- The intermittent nature of VREs poses significant challenges for power systems, requiring investments in energy storage and grid management, especially in countries like Denmark and Ireland.
- Governments must implement supportive regulations and foster stakeholder collaboration to integrate renewable energy and ensure grid stability effectively.
The rapid growth of solar and wind power is transforming global energy, but the International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that without reforms, their expansion could slow.
Since 2018, solar and wind capacity more than doubled, driven by falling costs and supportive policies. These renewable energies (VRE) now play a crucial role in reducing emissions, which is critical for achieving climate goals like carbon neutrality by 2050. VREs currently deliver two-thirds of the power sector’s CO2 reductions.
However, the IEA warns that failing to improve integration could lead to a 15% drop in electricity from solar and wind by 2030, reducing their impact on the energy mix.
VREs face challenges due to their intermittent nature. Solar and wind depend on weather, leading to unpredictable production. Power systems need flexibility to balance fluctuating supply and demand.
Countries with low VRE shares, such as the US and China, can increase capacity without significant changes. Nations like Denmark and Ireland, with higher reliance on VREs, encounter more complex challenges. To maintain stability, they must invest in energy storage and smarter grid management.
Energy storage plays a crucial role in handling VRE fluctuations. Batteries store excess electricity when production peaks and then release it during shortages. South Australia effectively uses storage to stabilise its grid.
However, many nations cannot afford widespread storage due to high costs. Instead, they can invest in grid interconnections, which link regions to share renewable energy and balance production more efficiently.
Technological advancements alone cannot solve the integration issue. The IEA urges governments to implement supportive policies that drive investment in infrastructure, such as smart grids and storage. Policymakers should also facilitate collaboration between grid operators, energy producers, and regulators.
Spain is a success story. It uses better weather forecasting and grid optimization to increase its solar and wind share without jeopardizing stability. The IEA encourages other countries to follow Spain’s lead to avoid delays in renewable energy adoption.
The growing complexity of energy systems makes maintaining stability more difficult. Countries must invest in modern transmission infrastructure and foster regional cooperation to keep power flowing. Smart grids adjust demand based on real-time production and will play an increasingly vital role in future energy systems.
Though the transition to renewables remains inevitable, numerous challenges persist. Governments and businesses must work together to build the infrastructure necessary for VRE integration while ensuring energy system resilience.
Countries like Ireland and Denmark prove that integrating renewable energy is possible. However, widespread progress relies on governments anticipating future needs and enacting the right policies.
The IEA warns that without these reforms, solar and wind power may not deliver their full potential, slowing the global shift to clean energy.