International Energy Agency Sees Solar Shining

The International Energy Agency has recently released a publication detailing its Solar Energy Perspectives for the coming decades, and the potential solar energy can reach by 2050.

The International Energy Agency publication aims to offer an updated picture of current solar technology trends and markets, as well as new analyses on how solar energy technologies for electricity, heat and fuels can be used in the various energy consuming sectors, now and in the future.

One of the findings of Solar Energy Perspectives is that in 90 minutes, enough sunlight strikes the earth to provide the entire planet’s energy needs for one year.

The International Energy Agency publication looks at which solar technologies are close to competitiveness, in which circumstances and for which uses. It also reviews the different types of policy support they require and for how long and investigates ways to make them more effective and cost-effective.

The International Energy Agency publication also depicts a world in which solar energy reaches its very fullest potential by 2050. A number of assumptions are made to see what might be possible in terms of solar deployment, while keeping affordability in sight.

Under these assumptions, solar energy has immense potential and could emerge as a major source of energy, in particular if energy-related carbon dioxide emissions must be reduced to quite low levels and if other low-carbon technology options cannot deliver on large scale.
by Solar Australia

The Author

I took an interest in the Australian energy sector close to ten years ago and since then have monitored the trends, technologies and direction of the Australian Energy Market. I was drawn to the Australian solar market in 2008 and since then have worked heavily in the field. I am partnered with national and international solar energy companies, from manufacturers of solar panel and inverter technology, online software developers that introduce tools to quote, monitor and manage solar power systems and media organisations who like myself, closely monitor the solar and renewable energy sector.