The role of renewable energy in long-term energy and climate scenarios

Abstract

Currently, most of the energy is supplied by burning fossil fuels such as oil, coal or gas. While there are clear benefits to the use of these sources, there are disadvantages: they are finite, they are unevenly distributed causing geopolitical tensions, contribute to climate change, and cause air pollution. One way to solve these problems is the use of renewable energy. Renewable energy sources are generally available everywhere, cause less air pollution, emit no or fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and improve the security of energy supply. The aim of this thesis is to contribute to a better description of renewable energy in long-term energy and climate scenarios. Specifically, we focus on three main themes: 1) the potential of renewable energy, 2) the application and 3) the influence of climate change. First the global potential of offshore wind energy, rooftop solar energy, and hydropower is calculated. These potentials are then used to explore long-term future scenarios. And, finally, climate impacts on the renewable energy supply are researched. An important finding of this thesis is, for example, that there is more hydropower potential than previously assumed. Although hydropower is the oldest renewable energy source, it was not yet known how much is available worldwide. Other findings concern the significant contribution of households and the impact of climate change on renewable energy supply that have not been investigated at this detail level before.