The contribution of the new renewable generation sources to the fight against climate change and sustainable development are well recognized by the population. However, one facet that sometimes does not receive the recognition it deserves is that of the social and economic benefits it generates in society.
THE SOCIAL SIDE OF RENEWABLE ENERGIES: A SOURCE OF DEVELOPMENT AND WEALTH
Today more than ever, saving energy is an economic and ecological necessity. According to the 2020 World Energy Statistical Yearbook, 31% of energy that year came from oil, 26% from coal and 23% from gas. What do these fuels have in common? All of them are limited and for this reason, today their price is the highest in history.
Hence, renewable energies are gaining strength and becoming the natural replacement for these fossil fuels, which are also, to a large extent, the cause of pollution levels being out of control. Without going any further, the energy industry, together with transport, are responsible for 70% of greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union.
But there are numerous studies that suggest that the models of environmental sustainability of renewable energies are also sustainable at an economic and social level. To begin with, an energy system based on renewables could generate very positive results in several aspects.
The European Union has set itself the goal of reaching 32-40% renewables by 2030. In this sense, if the expansion of renewables accelerates, a reduction in prices in the wholesale market of up to 14% would be achieved in countries such as Germany or up to 26% in coal-dependent countries like Poland. In addition, this would lead to greater stability in supply. Thanks to this, a great economic growth would take place.
On the other hand, renewables are an opportunity for employment. The green energy sector will create 43 million jobs by 2030 according to the Renewable Energy Agency and the ILO. And by 2050 it is estimated that this sector will employ more than 122 million people. In fact, in 2020 it already employed 12 million people. Jobs, in addition, that require technical and qualified profiles; more than 60% require minimal training.
At the same time, renewables also offer social advantages with an important contribution to territorial cohesion, mainly due to the tax collection that would occur in small municipalities where most of the renewable plants are located.
In addition, an increase in renewable energies in the generation of electricity would produce a drop in the electricity bill of between 8 and 25% in 2030. This would especially benefit the most vulnerable groups.
Therefore, integrating renewable energies with energy efficiency and intelligent demand management not only entails an ecological benefit and for climate change, but would also lead to a much more sustainable electricity generation system in the long term, also on a social level. and economic.
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