Solar Dominance: Irreversible Tipping Point Reached

• Solar power will soon dominate global electricity: New study suggests we can make the shift to solar without major policy changes, but governments must also invest in other renewable sources to ensure smooth transition.

A new study published in Nature Communications suggests that solar power is set to become the dominant global electricity source by 2050, with no major policy shifts needed to make this happen. 72% of the simulations run by the researchers found that solar likely make up the majority of global power generation in 2050. Solar power is already becoming cheaper, costing $42 - $48 per megawatt, compared with $74 for coal. This shift will have major implications for countries’ emissions-reduction goals. However, 13 million people worldwide risk losing their livelihoods to renewables adoption, and grid instability is a risk if too much dependence is placed on solar. To make this transition more successful, governments should invest in other renewable sources, provide retraining and development programs, and address supply chain constraints and financing issues in developing countries.

What Policies Are Needed to Ensure a Successful Solar Transition?

• Invest in other renewable sources, such as wind and hydro, to ensure diversity in energy sources.
• Create incentives to encourage businesses and individuals to incorporate solar into their energy usage.
• Design policies that support research and development of renewable energy sources.
• Develop training and retraining programs to give those in the fossil fuel industry a chance to transition to renewable energy jobs.
• Invest in infrastructure to ensure reliable power delivery and grid stability.
• Address supply chain constraints and financing issues in developing countries, including providing access to capital, education, and technological resources.
• Introduce regulations that ensure solar energy is produced in an environmentally responsible way.
• Increase public awareness of the benefits of solar energy to help consumers make informed energy decisions.