Journal of Business and entrepreneurial
July - September Vol. 8 - 3 - 2024
http://journalbusinesses.com/index.php/revista
e-ISSN: 2576-0971
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Receipt: 19 February 2024
Approval: 09 May 2024
Page 38-48
The role of renewable energies in the transition to
a sustainable energy model: Challenges and
opportunities
El papel de las energÃas renovables en la transición hacia un
modelo energético sostenible: Retos y oportunidades
Dayana Mishell Alvarez Constante
*
Carlos Rolando Rosero Erazo
*
ABSTRACT
This study focused on the important role of
renewable energies in the transition to a sustainable
energy model and assessed their benefits, challenges
and opportunities. Renewable energies have been
identified as an important solution to respond to
climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions
and diversifying the energy matrix. However,
challenges have been identified, including the scarcity
and variability of renewable energy sources, high
upfront costs and the need for infrastructure
improvements. However, significant opportunities in
energy storage were highlighted, including
technological advances, favorable policies and
regulations, and financial innovations. The positive
socio-economic impact of renewable energy on job
creation, social development and poverty reduction
has also been demonstrated. In summary, the
importance of harnessing the potential of renewable
energy and addressing current challenges is key to
moving towards a more secure and sustainable
future.
* Environmental Biotechnology Engineer , Independent
Researcher dayanaalvarezc@outlook.com
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6500-932X
*Forestry Engineer. Superior Polytechnic School of Chimborazo.
Research Technician, Research and Development Group for
Environment and Climate Change (GIDAC).
carlos.roseroe@espoch.edu.ec
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2691-5578
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Keywords: renewable energies, energy
sustainability, climate change, challenges,
opportunities.
RESUMEN
Este estudio se centra en el importante papel de las
energÃas renovables en la transición hacia un modelo
energético sostenible y evalúa sus beneficios, retos y
oportunidades. Las energÃas renovables se han
identificado como una solución importante para
responder al cambio climático reduciendo las
emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero y
diversificando la matriz energética. Sin embargo, se
han identificado retos, como la escasez y variabilidad
de las fuentes de energÃa renovables, los elevados
costes iniciales y la necesidad de mejorar las
infraestructuras. Sin embargo, se destacaron
importantes oportunidades en el almacenamiento de
energÃa, como los avances tecnológicos, las polÃticas
y normativas favorables y las innovaciones
financieras. También se ha demostrado el impacto
socioeconómico positivo de las energÃas renovables
en la creación de empleo, el desarrollo social y la
reducción de la pobreza. En resumen, la importancia
de aprovechar el potencial de las energÃas renovables
y abordar los retos actuales es clave para avanzar
hacia un futuro más seguro y sostenible.
Palabras clave: energÃas renovables, sostenibilidad
energética, cambio climático, retos, oportunidades.
INTRODUCTION
The transition to a sustainable energy model has become a global imperative in the fight
against climate change and the search for a more prosperous and equitable future
(Jacobson et al.,2020). In this context, the role of renewable energies acquires a
fundamental relevance. This article delves into the analysis of how renewable energies
are shaping this transition towards a more sustainable energy system, exploring both the
inherent challenges and the opportunities that lie ahead.
Renewable energies, which include sources such as solar, wind, hydro, biomass and
geothermal, represent a key alternative to fossil fuels because of their ability to provide
energy sustainably, without depleting finite resources or generating greenhouse gas
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40
emissions (Denholmet al.,2021). This approach not only contributes to the reduction of
carbon emissions, but also promotes energy security and stimulates long-term economic
development (Fawcett et al.,2020).
One of the main drivers of this transition is the urgency of addressing climate change
and its devastating impacts. As the effects of global warming become increasingly evident,
from extreme weather events to biodiversity loss, the need to reduce our dependence
on fossil fuels becomes imperative (Arora et al.,2020). Renewable energies offer a viable
and necessary solution to decarbonize our economy and mitigate climate risks, aligning
with international commitments such as the Paris Agreement (Wills et al.,2020).
In addition to their environmental benefits, renewable energy also offers significant
opportunities in terms of socioeconomic development. Investment in renewable energy
infrastructure can generate employment, stimulate technological innovation and improve
energy access, especially in marginalized or rural communities. Furthermore, by reducing
long-term operating costs, renewables can ensure greater energy equity and economic
stability (Ikegami et al., 2020).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In this research, a literature review methodology was used to analyze the role of
renewable energies in the transition to a sustainable energy model, as well as the
associated challenges and opportunities. The literature review was carried out using
various sources of information, including academic databases, specialized journals,
reports from international organizations, books and other relevant documents in the
field of renewable energy and energy sustainability.
The literature search and selection process was carried out using keywords related to
the topic of study, such as "renewable energies", "energy transition", "sustainable energy
model", "challenges", "opportunities", among others. Priority was given to the inclusion
of recent research and publications to ensure the relevance and timeliness of the
information collected.
Once the relevant literature was compiled, a critical and systematic analysis of the
selected papers was conducted to identify trends, patterns, viewpoints and key findings
related to the research topic. Particular attention was paid to the different perspectives
and approaches presented in the literature, as well as to discrepancies and areas of
debate within the field.
In addition, comparisons and syntheses of the findings obtained from different sources
were made to develop a comprehensive and balanced understanding of the subject. Both
the positive aspects and the challenges associated with the use of renewable energies in
the transition to a sustainable energy model were highlighted in order to provide a
complete and objective view of the subject.
Finally, the results of the literature review were used to inform and support the
development of the discussion and conclusions of this study. A critical evaluation of the
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literature reviewed was provided, as well as recommendations for future research and
action in the field of renewable energy and energy sustainability.
Table 1. Stages of the methodology
Methodology stage
Actions performed
Literature search
- Selection of related keywords.
- Use of academic databases and specialized journals.
- Consultation of reports from international organizations and
books.
Selection of information
- Evaluation of the relevance and timeliness of the literature.
- Inclusion of recent research and publications.
Literature analysis
- Identification of trends, patterns and key findings.
- Critical and systematic analysis of selected documents.
- Comparisons and synthesis of findings from different sources.
Discussion of results
- Development of a comprehensive and balanced understanding
of the subject.
- Highlight positive aspects and challenges associated with the
use of renewable energies.
- Critical evaluation of the literature reviewed.
- Formulation of recommendations for future research and
actions.
Principle of the form
Source: Own elaboration
RESULTS
The research results revealed a number of significant findings regarding the role of
renewable energies in the transition to a sustainable energy model, as well as the
associated challenges and opportunities. The results are discussed in detail below:
Table 2. Contribution of renewable energies to energy sustainability.
Appearance
Findings
Emissions
Reduction
Renewable energies contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas
emissions, which promotes climate change mitigation.
Energy
Diversification
They allow diversification of the energy matrix, reducing dependence on
fossil fuels and improving energy security.
Long-term
Sustainability
Its renewable nature ensures the long-term availability of energy,
without depleting finite resources.
Source: Own elaboration
Renewable energies, by generating electricity without producing greenhouse gas
emissions during operation, play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions (Blanco et
al.,2020). This is especially relevant at a time when climate change mitigation is a global
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priority. By gradually replacing fossil fuels in sectors such as electricity generation,
transportation and heating, renewable energies can help meet emission reduction targets
set in international agreements (Galganiet al.,2021).
Diversification of the energy matrix is essential to ensure stability and security of energy
supply. Relying heavily on a single energy source, such as oil or natural gas, can expose
a country to risks of price volatility, supply shortages, or geopolitical disruptions (Barlow
et al.,2019). Incorporating renewables into the energy mix reduces this dependence,
which improves energy security and resilience to external shocks (Le et al.,2020).
One of the most outstanding advantages of renewable energies is their sustainable and
renewable nature. Unlike fossil fuels, whose extraction and consumption are finite and
not sustainable in the long term, renewable energies take advantage of abundant and
continuously available natural resources, such as sunlight, wind, water and biomass. This
feature ensures long-term energy availability and contributes to the preservation of
natural resources for future generations (Abdelaziz et al.,2021).
Taken together, these findings underscore the importance of renewables in the
transition to a more sustainable and resilient energy model. By reducing greenhouse gas
emissions, diversifying the energy matrix and ensuring the long-term availability of clean
energy, renewables are positioned as a comprehensive solution to address today's
energy and environmental challenges. However, it is crucial to address the obstacles
they still face, such as the technical and economic challenges in their large-scale
integration into the electricity grid, in order to maximize their positive impact on global
energy sustainability.
Table 3. Challenges in the integration of renewable energies
Challenge
Implications
Intermittency
and Variability
The intermittency and variability of renewable sources can pose
challenges in grid integration, requiring storage and demand management
solutions.
High Initial Costs
The initial costs of investing in renewable infrastructure can be high,
although they pay off in the long term through operational savings and
environmental benefits.
Infrastructure
and Logistics
Improvements in infrastructure and logistics are needed to facilitate the
implementation and operation of large-scale renewable energy projects.
Source: Own elaboration
One of the main challenges in the integration of renewable energies is their intermittent
and variable nature. Electricity generation from sources such as solar and wind is
dependent on weather and environmental factors, which can lead to fluctuations in
energy availability (Boone et al., 2021). This intermittency can pose challenges in power
grid management, especially at times of high demand or when weather conditions are
unfavorable for renewable generation. To address this challenge, large-scale energy