Burden of proof: a comprehensive review of the feasibility of 100% renewable-electricity systems

Benjamin Heard, Barry Brook, Tom Wigley, Corey Bradshaw

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

    292 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    An effective response to climate change demands rapid replacement of fossil carbon energy sources. This must occur concurrently with an ongoing rise in total global energy consumption. While many modelled scenarios have been published claiming to show that a 100% renewable electricity system is achievable, there is no empirical or historical evidence that demonstrates that such systems are in fact feasible. Of the studies published to date, 24 have forecast regional, national or global energy requirements at sufficient detail to be considered potentially credible. We critically review these studies using four novel feasibility criteria for reliable electricity systems needed to meet electricity demand this century. These criteria are: (1) consistency with mainstream energy-demand forecasts; (2) simulating supply to meet demand reliably at hourly, half-hourly, and five-minute timescales, with resilience to extreme climate events; (3) identifying necessary transmission and distribution requirements; and (4) maintaining the provision of essential ancillary services. Evaluated against these objective criteria, none of the 24 studies provides convincing evidence that these basic feasibility criteria can be met. Of a maximum possible unweighted feasibility score of seven, the highest score for any one study was four. Eight of 24 scenarios (33%) provided no form of system simulation. Twelve (50%) relied on unrealistic forecasts of energy demand. While four studies (17%; all regional) articulated transmission requirements, only two scenarios—drawn from the same study—addressed ancillary-service requirements. In addition to feasibility issues, the heavy reliance on exploitation of hydroelectricity and biomass raises concerns regarding environmental sustainability and social justice. Strong empirical evidence of feasibility must be demonstrated for any study that attempts to construct or model a low-carbon energy future based on any combination of low-carbon technology. On the basis of this review, efforts to date seem to have substantially underestimated the challenge and delayed the identification and implementation of effective and comprehensive decarbonization pathways.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1122-1133
    Number of pages12
    JournalRENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
    Volume76
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2017

    Keywords

    • Ancillary services
    • Reliability
    • Renewables
    • Solar power
    • Transmission
    • Wind power

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Burden of proof: a comprehensive review of the feasibility of 100% renewable-electricity systems'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this