Solar Energy, a sustainable alternative for the future

The sun is the source of energy for billions of people, if governments are committed to creating photovoltaic markets, the report "Solar Generation" by Greenpeace. (18/10/2001).

The sun is the source of energy for billions of people, if governments are committed to creating photovoltaic markets, the report "Solar Generation" by Greenpeace. (18/10/2001).

Solar power could provide electricity to more than one billion people, creating approximately 2 million jobs by 2020 and reach 26% of global energy needs by 2040, according to a report released today in Berlin by Greenpeace and the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA).

The solar energy in the future

The report "Solar Generation" shows that solar PV has the potential to make a large contribution to both the future of world energy supply security and to help avoid the danger of climate change. "It's a realistic and achievable goal, based on the state of the industry and market opportunities that exist today, but requires a clear political support from governments around the world," said Sven Teske, energy expert Greenpeace. "We need a massive boost to renewable energy sources if we are to eliminate fossil fuels that threaten our climate."

"We have a clear signal from governments that there is a political commitment to increase the role of solar electricity in the energy mix. In particular, the Commission should ensure that national innovation systems of incentives for solar electricity not be invalidated by the competition policy, "said Jose Luis Garcia Ortega, responsible for Spain Greenpeace Solar Project and the ecology.

"Greenpeace calls on governments to provide renewable energy to two billion poorest people the world over the next ten years. Even using conservative estimates, the report shows that solar energy can cover much of this demand, and create millions of jobs worldwide. "
EPIA, which represents 54 major European solar companies, is responding to this challenge to strengthen its role as global advocate for solar energy.

Ecology Solar energy

The report shows that by 2020 the global solar production would be 276 terawatt-hours, which could equal 30% of the energy needs of Africa, or 10% of the demand for European OECD countries, or 1% of global demand. This would replace the energy produced by 75 new coal power plants and prevent the emission of 664 million tonnes of carbon dioxide. Solar infrastructure investment would be worth of 75 billion dollars a year, and lower the cost of solar modules, $ 1 per peak watt.

By 2040, global solar production could be over 9,000 terawatt-hours, or 26% of expected global demand, which would have increased from 27,000 to 35,000 terawatt-hours. This production exceeds the combined demand of the European OECD countries and North America in 1998 and the solar energy.

Renewable technologies, which use energy not only the sun but also wind and water, generate clean energy and will end or cause the accumulation of greenhouse gases that cause climate change.