Global Renewable Energy Infrastructure: : Pathways to Carbon Neutrality and Sustainability

Syed Saeed; Tanvir  Siraj

doi:10.51646/jsesd.v13i2.243

Authors

Syed Salman Saeed Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology.
Tanvir Siraj Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51646/jsesd.v13i2.243

Keywords:

Renewable energy capacity, Renewable energy sources, Global energy transition, Sustainable Development Goals, Energy policy.

Abstract

The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy is crucial for achieving environmental sustainability and carbon neutrality. The research focuses on the global landscape of renewable energy capacity, utilizing data from the 2024 report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The data was meticulously cleaned and organized based on countries and renewable energy sources, followed by sorting in descending order and performing Pareto analysis to identify the top 80% user countries. Graphical analyses, including bar and pie charts, were employed alongside linear percentage calculations to determine frequency distribution. The findings reveal that 15 countries—China, the United States, Brazil, India, Germany, Japan, Canada, Spain, France, Italy, Türkiye, Russia, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Vietnam—account for over 80% (3,099,959 MW) of the world's total installed renewable energy capacity. China leads with 1,453,701.25 MW, followed by the USA with 387,548.59 MW, and Brazil with 194,084.66 MW. Solar energy is the largest contributor, representing 36.67% of global renewable capacity, followed by hydropower at 32.76% and wind energy at 26.29%. Bioenergy, geothermal, and marine energy contribute 3.88%, 0.38%, and 0.01%, respectively. The concentration of renewable energy capacity in a few countries and key sources underscores significant disparities in adoption and investment. The research emphasizes the need for tailored energy policies that consider regional resource availability, socio-economic structures, and geopolitical contexts to ensure equitable and sustainable energy development. Addressing these disparities is crucial for achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7, which focuses on affordable and clean energy for all. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers, highlighting the importance of a diversified and balanced approach to renewable energy adoption to contribute to global carbon neutrality and environmental sustainability.

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