Renewable energy sources for a global decarbonization process

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time. Hence, transitioning to renewable energy sources is crucial to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable development. Decarbonization, which is the process of reducing carbon dioxide emissions associated with energy generation and other human activities, is essential to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change.

To achieve this, we have various energy options at our disposal, and we should harness the potential of each source to replace fossil fuels with greener solutions.

Solar energy, derived from solar radiation, is one of the most abundant and accessible renewable resources. Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight directly into electricity, and solar thermal systems can generate heat for industrial processes or electricity.

These systems emit no direct greenhouse gases during operation, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of energy production. Moreover, pairing solar energy with storage systems allows energy supply even when the sun isn’t shining, addressing the issue of intermittency.

Wind energy is another cornerstone of renewable energy. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of wind into electrical power and recent technological advances, including the development of offshore wind farms, have expanded its potential.

Offshore wind farms, in particular, benefit from stronger and more consistent wind patterns, making them highly efficient. Wind energy generation produces no direct carbon dioxide emissions, making it an effective option for decarbonization. Additionally, wind energy can complement other renewable sources, such as solar, to provide a more stable and reliable energy supply.

Hydropower, based on water, is a well-established and clean renewable energy source with low operating emissions. However, building large dams can disrupt ecosystems, affect water quality, and displace communities. Therefore, careful planning and sustainable practices are essential to minimize the environmental impact of hydropower projects.

Geothermal energy exploits the Earth's internal heat for electricity generation and direct heating applications. Geothermal power plants can provide a stable and continuous power supply, as they are not subject to intermittency like solar and wind energy. This reliability makes geothermal energy an excellent baseload power source, capable of operating 24/7.

However, geothermal development is geographically constrained to regions where this resource is accessible, such as volcanic areas and tectonic plate boundaries.

Biomass transforms organic materials such as agricultural residues, forest waste, and energy crops into electricity, heat, or biofuels. When managed sustainably, it can be a carbon-neutral source due to the balance between CO₂ emitted and absorbed during biomass growth.
It is important to consider that conscious sourcing and management of biomass resources are crucial to avoid deforestation, habitat loss, and competition with food production.

The importance of energy transition

The transition to renewable energy sources is essential for decarbonization.
⁠Replacing fossil fuels with renewables can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating climate change and improving air quality.

Moreover, the renewable energy sector creates jobs, stimulates technological innovation, and enhances energy security by diversifying the sources. For example, for De Nora, the energy transition has sparked the construction of a new production hub – the Italian Gigafactory - for manufacturing parts and components to produce green hydrogen.
This new plant will boost employability, the clean-tech industry and promote technological excellence for the emerging green hydrogen market in Italy.

In conclusion, renewable energy sources are indispensable for executing the energy transition. By leveraging the strengths of solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass energy, we can build a sustainable and resilient energy system, that meets the needs of present and future generations while protecting the planet.