Renewable Energy Learning Curve

Abstract

Direct comparisons among nations to determine their relative success or failure in transitioning to renewables are fraught with difficulty yet given world standards now in place clearly identifiable targets can serve as a baseline to focus the conversation. Renewable energy is diffuse and more energy is required to support life the further north one goes. Hence, more land area will be required to support life in the north and population density will be lower than in more moderate regions. Energy systems will be more complex in the regions which require more energy and greater storage capacity. Understanding the difference in characteristics of fossil fuels and renewable energy and electricity is key to understanding how our current energy production and consumption habits will change as the transition evolves.