Despite scepticism, the rapid rise of clean energy sources offers hope for the future and a solution to the climate crisis.

A recent article in the Evening Standard claimed that renewable energy cannot replace oil and gas, labelling it a “great green deceit”. However, the real deceit is ignoring the scientific consensus that urges a shift from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy.

The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) delivered a sobering warning last year, calling it a “code red for humanity.” Yet, despite the grim tone, scientists remain hopeful, suggesting that prompt action could avoid disaster. This action requires transitioning our energy systems to cleaner, renewable sources.

Is the shift challenging? Certainly. But the fact that it’s difficult is not a valid reason to abandon the effort. The flawed short-term thinking that claims renewable energy can’t replace oil and gas is precisely what has brought us to the brink of the global climate crisis.

But amidst the challenges, there is positive news. More clean energy is being generated every year. Just this week, the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicted that by early 2025, renewables will surpass coal as the largest source of electricity generation. This is not only beneficial for the environment but also for addressing the cost of living crisis and improving energy security. Renewable energy is cheaper than fossil fuels and, crucially, it is not dependent on imports from other countries.

Critics often point to the “cost of Net Zero,” but what about the cost of not pursuing this goal? According to the Deloitte Centre for Sustainable Progress, failing to reach Net Zero could cost up to $178 trillion over the next 50 years, far exceeding the cost of a green transition.

I know this transition firsthand. As the head of Naked Energy, a solar thermal company, I see the opportunities and innovations that come with clean energy. Solar thermal, for instance, is a low-cost, environmentally friendly technology with a small carbon footprint, and it’s set for explosive growth. The number of homes worldwide with solar thermal systems is expected to increase from 250 million today to 1.2 billion by 2050, according to the IEA.

In the UK, we’ve helped install solar collectors on leisure centres and swimming pools, assisting them in managing rising energy costs during the winter months. In Alberta, Canada, a community is using solar thermal systems and borehole thermal storage to supply all their heating and hot water needs without fossil fuels. Even companies like PepsiCo are committing to renewable energy, sourcing 100% of their electricity from clean sources over the past two years.

The green energy transition is also driving job creation in the UK. As demand for renewable energy hardware increases, local manufacturers in places like Braintree, Essex, are scaling up production of solar collectors. Efforts are underway to address the skills gap, ensuring there is a skilled workforce to support future demand.

And, for those who question renewable energy’s reliability due to weather conditions, battery storage technology has made significant advances. Electric vehicles now demonstrate how effective battery storage can be, and this technology will be crucial in addressing the intermittency of renewable energy sources.

Globally, renewable power capacity is expected to grow by 2,400 GW by 2027. Governments must continue to support this transformation through financial incentives and streamlined permitting processes to ensure the energy transition accelerates.

While the task is monumental, the shift to green energy is an endeavour worth every effort. There is no single solution, but collectively, renewable energy will secure a sustainable future for all.