The energy transition is an essential process to ensure the planet’s sustainability and promote sustainable development. In this context, solar power plays a crucial role as one of the most promising and accessible renewable energy sources. This article discusses the importance of the energy transition, highlighting the growing adoption of solar power and the benefits associated with it.
The Urgency of the Energy Transition
The energy transition refers to the gradual shift from fossil fuel sources, such as oil, coal, and natural gas, to renewable sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass. The need for this change is driven by increasing environmental and socioeconomic challenges, such as climate change, resource scarcity, and the pursuit of greater energy independence.
According to the IPCC report, it is necessary to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius to avoid catastrophic consequences for the environment and humanity. To achieve this goal, it is crucial to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. In this context, the energy transition becomes a global priority.
Solar Power as the Protagonist in the Energy Transition
Solar power has been widely recognized as one of the primary solutions to drive the energy transition and achieve climate goals. According to IRENA, the global renewable energy generation capacity totaled 3,372 GW, increasing the renewable energy stock by a record 295 GW. Solar photovoltaic generation added 191 GW of power last year.
In Brazil, the installed capacity of solar photovoltaic power reached 23.9 gigawatts (GW), surpassing wind power with 23.8 GW, becoming the country’s second-largest generation source, according to the Brazilian Association of Solar Photovoltaic Energy (Absolar). Moreover, the Ministry of Mines and Energy predicts that solar power will account for about 13% of the Brazilian electricity matrix by 2030.
Benefits of Solar Power
Solar power brings a series of socioeconomic and environmental benefits, which include:
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions: Solar power has a significantly lower environmental impact compared to fossil fuel energy sources, contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions and combating climate change.
- Job creation: The solar industry has the potential to create high-quality jobs in research, development, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of solar systems. In Brazil, Absolar estimates that the solar energy sector employed over 224,000 people in 2020.
- Reducing energy dependence: Solar power can reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, promoting energy security and diversification of the energy matrix (Ministry of Mines and Energy, 2021).
- Stimulating technological innovation: The growing demand for solar power encourages the development of new technologies and solutions for storage, distribution, and energy efficiency, driving innovation in the sector.
- Access to energy in remote areas: Solar power is an effective solution for bringing clean and accessible energy to remote and unelectrified communities, contributing to poverty reduction and promoting social development.
The energy transition is a global imperative to address the challenges of climate change and ensure a sustainable future. Solar power plays a pivotal role in this process, providing significant environmental, socioeconomic, and technological benefits. The increasing adoption of solar power worldwide, and particularly in Brazil, reflects the awareness of the importance of this renewable energy source and highlights the need for coordinated actions and public policies to accelerate the energy transition.
Meet Rio Poti Energia, a GNPW Group company dedicated to renewable energy generation. With the concession of two photovoltaic plants under construction in Piauí, located in the municipalities of Altos and Campo Maior, the company totals 10 MW of installed power. Rio Poti Energia is committed to the development of sustainable and environmentally responsible projects, contributing to a greener future.
The plants in Piauí do not emit polluting gases and have low maintenance costs, which results in savings in energy consumption contracts within the Public-Private Partnerships. Learn more about this innovative project committed to the environment!
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