While the world’s energy challenges are diverse and have different aspects in different regions, there are also major issues that we face in common.
The following 10 issues are a brief summary of the key problems that need to be solved to achieve a sustainable energy supply and environmental protection on a global scale.
1. Breaking away from dependence on fossil fuels
Today, the majority of the world’s energy comes from fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas, and coal.
These fuels emit large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change. In addition, fossil fuels are finite resources and are expected to be depleted in the future. There is an urgent need to move away from these fossil fuels and switch to renewable energy sources.
2. Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Greenhouse gas emissions from energy production and consumption are accelerating global warming.
The Paris Agreement and other frameworks exist to address international climate change, and greenhouse gas reduction targets have been set. However, the efforts of each country are uneven, and challenges remain in achieving reduction targets.
3. Inequality in energy access
In many parts of the world, people still lack access to stable energy supplies.
Particularly in Africa and parts of Asia, electricity supply is unstable and access to energy is an obstacle to social and economic development. There is an urgent need to develop infrastructure to ensure that poor and rural residents have access to electricity.
4. Diffusion of Renewable Energy and Challenges
Renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, etc.) are gaining attention as sustainable energy sources with low environmental impact, but there are several challenges to their introduction. The main challenge is the instability of supply. Since solar and wind power depend on weather and time of day, and stable supply is difficult to achieve, it is important to develop energy storage technology and infrastructure.
5. Improved energy efficiency
Low energy efficiency results in wasted energy consumption and increased environmental impact.
Energy efficiency is particularly low in the industrial and transportation sectors, and efficiency improvements are needed. Improving energy efficiency is an important issue because it directly leads to reduced energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Development of energy storage technology
Advancements in storage battery (battery) technology are essential to promote the spread of renewable energy.
Storage batteries are an important technology for storing surplus energy and supplying it when demand is high. However, the current high cost and limited capacity and efficiency of storage batteries require the development of new technologies to overcome these problems.
7. Aging energy infrastructure and renewal
In many countries, the energy infrastructure is aging and requires major investments to update it.
In addition, as renewable energy is introduced, it must be integrated with existing infrastructure.
Upgrading smart grid technology and power grids is critical to this.
8. Competition for resources and geopolitical risks
Competition over energy resources can be a source of international tension and conflict.
Conflicts over resources can arise especially between oil and natural gas producing and consuming countries. The economic impact of energy supply disruptions and concerns about national security are also important issues.
9. Social Impacts of the Energy Transition
The process of shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy may impact existing industries and jobs.
Particularly in areas dependent on the coal and oil industries, workers must be retrained and new employment opportunities created. How to reconcile this social impact will be a key challenge in a successful energy transition.
10. Water resources and energy
Energy production often consumes large amounts of water (e.g., thermal and nuclear power plants).
At the same time, climate change and population growth are making it increasingly difficult to secure water resources in an increasing number of regions. A sustainable energy policy that takes into account the relationship between water and energy is required.