Energy is vital for a good standard of living, and affordable sources of power that do not cause climate change or pollution are crucial. Renewable energy is recognized as providing the answer, with countries from around the world deciding at COP28 in 2023 to aim to triple the global renewable energy capacity by 2030, for the transition away from fossil fields to be on track for net-zero emissions by 2050.

This Very Short Introduction describes the main sources of renewable energy—solar PV, wind, hydropower, and biomass—their innovative technologies, and what each could deliver. It also discusses the relatively small contributions expected from tidal, wave, geothermal, and nuclear power, and from carbon capture and storage. Electrification of buildings, industry, and transport for net-zero will roughly triple the supply of electricity, and this can be met predominantly by solar PV and wind power.

The learning effect has resulted in a dramatic drop in the price of wind and solar PV power in the last decade, making them the cheapest generators of electricity in most parts of the world. The Very Short Introduction ends by discussing the actions needed that include strong consistent policies, financial initiatives to take advantage of the long-term benefits of renewables, and good community involvement.