The Energy Transition’s Hidden Iceberg: Practical Barriers and Proposed Solutions Toward Sustainable Electricity Systems

Focusing on electric power systems this article intends to reveal, discuss in a critical manner, and suggest solutions to several hidden yet critical factors that impact the sustainability and cost efficiency of the energy transition to renewable energy supply toward 2050. <p xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">First, we discuss with evidence, based on life cycle assessment and large-scale scenario analysis, what generation and storage (from hourly to seasonal) mixes would be sustainable to deploy in various geographical areas. The article argues that many projections of optimal mixes in power electricity grids by 2050 are underestimating the role of networks in maintaining the overall system stable in operation. We elaborate on the envisioned seven main steps of the energy transition and refute some pretended efficient measures pushed forward by policy makers. <p xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Then, the article examines whether a country or region could economically afford the “luxury” of a 100% renewable supply system. We advocate for a pragmatic energy transition strategy, which should respond first to the reasonable question: which clean sources will produce the needed electricity in winter, where the solar and wind production are low and daily battery storage does not suffice? <p xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Finally, the article will discuss practical environmental and supply chain concerns for mining and delivering the raw materials needed to achieve the energy transition. The discussion will revolve around whether the raw materials for production, grid and storage infrastructure such as renewable power plants, high-voltage lines, or batteries respectively may become scarce and unaffordable.