We all know the advantages of sustainable energy, clean air, a better environment, and a better world. Sustainability has become the most talked about topic in the world and why not – The environmental advantages of renewable energy, have been widely known for decades. Its numerous socio-economic benefits, however, have only become known in recent times as the deployment of renewable energy technologies has become more common.

Decarbonization of the world economy by 2030 is essential. Adapting sustainable energy is the only way forward if we want to achieve the objective set by the Paris Agreement to limit the temperature of the planet to 1.5°C that is, above pre-industrial levels.

It has been predicted that Earth will warm between 2 and 6 degrees Celsius in the next century. When global warming has happened at various times in the past two million years, it has taken the planet about 5,000 years to warm 5 degrees. The predicted rate of warming for the next century is at least 20 times faster. This rate of change is extremely unusual. – NASA Earth observatory

But still, there are many skeptics who don’t buy into the idea of sustainability, many still think sustainability is unnecessary and a marketing gimmick. This article aims to dispel myths and perceptions prevalent around renewable energy so that you can make your opinion based on facts.

Myth 1: Sustainable energy transition is unaffordable

Did you know that renewable energy is being used in developing and underdeveloped countries for electricity generation? It’s not only cheaper; it’s also more efficient. In many regions and countries, it’s actually the most economical solution for power.

Coal power generation is 35% efficient, meaning 65% of energy is wasted in production and transport. In comparison, electricity generated using alternative sources is much more efficient it can be produced and managed locally. Gridscape has successfully helped many clients transition to clean energy and has helped them cut electricity costs considerably over time.

Myth 2: Renewable can’t replace fossil fuel

In 2019 worldwide, 15 extreme weather events, caused/triggered mainly by climate change, caused more than $1 billion in damage each. Four of these events each caused more than $10 billion in damage. Undoubtedly, fossil fuels top the list of factors contributing to climate change. Therefore, it is essential that we replace fossil fuels with renewable and this can be done easily. Fossil fuel is finite, whereas wind, and solar are infinite resources and if used in the right way can completely replace fossil fuel.

Myth 3: Renewable energy is unreliable

They say, the sun doesn’t always shine, and the wind doesn’t always blow, so how can renewable energy assure reliability. Conventional thinking has long held the opinion that renewable energy unpredictability makes them unreliable. Thankfully, rapid technological innovation in recent years has helped dubunk this myth. Now grids are more and more stable and they come for the rescue during extreme power outages, when nothing else works. It’s true that solar energy is only produced when the sun is shining but now there is technology and ways in which the energy generated can be stored for longer.

Now AI and technology are being used increasingly and in many ways to ensure grid stability and reliability.

Climate change is real and we must not waste time on such debates. We all know this for sure that the only way to save our planet is by transitioning to renewable energy sources. For us and the decision makers, now is the time to invest in renewable energy. Policymakers can accelerate the transition, both to fight climate change and provide economic advantage in the growing sector, while ensuring an equitable transition for all.

Net-zero essentially means cutting down on greenhouse emissions to a level of zero. This means contributing nothing to global warming.

According to WRI, ” Net-zero emissions will be achieved when all GHG emissions released by human activities are counterbalanced by removing GHGs from the atmosphere in a process known as carbon removal”. (Source: wri.org)

This means that the total greenhouse gas emissions in the air should not increase. This further means that we need to reduce emissions while also taking carbon out of the atmosphere.

Many governments and businesses have set a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

The U.S. currently produces 6 Gigatons of greenhouse gas emissions each year. The amount of greenhouse gas emissions is measured in terms of CO2-equivalent, which is the amount of CO2 that would have an equivalent global warming impact as a different greenhouse gas (for example, methane or nitrous oxide). To achieve net-zero emissions across the entire United States would require reducing net emissions by an average of 0.2 Gigatons of CO2 equivalent per year over the next 30 years. If the United States were to achieve this goal, it would reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by about 10%.

( Source: globalcitizen.org)

How can you help to reduce emissions?

Well, there are many ways in which each one of us can do our bit to reduce the emissions or to achieve the Net Zero target.

1. Use clean energy: microgrids are getting very popular, explore microgrids for your community, organization, campus, etc. They will not only you help achieve the net-zero target but they will also help in overall savings.
2. Use electric vehicles – EVs not only help reduce the negative effects on climate but are also very economical in the long run.
3. Use energy responsibly- Being more energy-efficient can reduce your costs as well as total carbon emissions.

Did you know you could save a lot of money and reduce emissions of carbon dioxide considerably just by turning your thermostat down by 1°C? 

San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians (SPBMI) is a thriving community of over 1,500 residents. Over the years, the infrastructure growth has transformed the community life completely. The region, however, is notoriously affected by wildfires and the devastation reaches far beyond the loss of homes and businesses. The community gets hit often due to the reoccurring forest fires and this affects every aspect of life here from power disruption to infrastructures damage.

This article explores key questions about microgrids and is written for those beginning the microgrid journey. It is part of Microgrid Knowledge’s About Microgrids series.