From Fossil Fuels to Future Fuels: The Promise of Alternate Energy Sources

By 2050, renewables are expected to supply 90 percent of global electricity, hydrogen will power industries and transport, and biofuels will revolutionise aviation and shipping.

February 11, 2025. By News Bureau

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Fossil fuels

Alternate Energy Sources

Green hydrogen

Greenhouse gas emissions

International Energy Agency

As the world grapples with the twin crises of climate change and energy security, the transition from fossil fuels to alternate energy sources is no longer optional—it’s imperative. Fossil fuels, which currently account for 84 percent of global energy consumption, have driven industrial and economic growth for over a century but are also the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Alternate energy sources like solar, wind, hydrogen, and biofuels are emerging as the linchpins of a sustainable and secure energy future.

The Case for Alternate Energy
The environmental and economic costs of fossil fuels are mounting. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), fossil fuels contribute nearly 87 percent of CO₂ emissions globally. Beyond emissions, fossil fuel extraction and transportation cause significant ecological degradation and are subject to volatile markets, jeopardising energy security.

In contrast, alternate energy sources offer a cleaner, more stable, and increasingly cost-competitive solution:

Cost Reduction: The cost of solar power has dropped by 89 percent since 2010, making it the cheapest source of energy in many regions.
Job Creation: The renewable energy sector employed 12.7 million people globally in 2022, with projections to exceed 38 million jobs by 2030.

Prominent Future Fuels

Solar and Wind Energy

Solar and wind have become the cornerstones of the renewable revolution, accounting for nearly 12 percent of global electricity generation in 2022.

Solar Power Growth: Solar capacity grew by 30 percent in 2023, with China, the U.S., and India leading the expansion.
Wind Energy Expansion: Offshore wind farms, like those in the North Sea, are set to power 230 million homes by 2030.

Green Hydrogen

Hydrogen, particularly green hydrogen produced using renewable energy, is a promising future fuel.

According to BloombergNEF, the cost of green hydrogen is expected to fall below $2/kg by 2030, making it competitive with natural gas.
Major economies, including the European Union and Japan, are investing in hydrogen infrastructure, with the EU aiming for 40 GW of electrolysis capacity by 2030.

Biofuels

Derived from organic matter like crops and waste, biofuels are transforming transportation and industrial processes.

The global biofuel market is projected to grow from $140 billion in 2022 to $247 billion by 2030.
Brazil leads in ethanol production, with its sugarcane-based fuel reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent compared to gasoline.

Nuclear Energy

Though not renewable, nuclear energy offers a reliable, zero-emission power source.

Nuclear currently supplies 10 percent of global electricity, and next-generation reactors promise enhanced safety and efficiency.
Countries like France and China are investing heavily in nuclear technologies, with China planning 150 new reactors by 2050.

Challenges in the Transition
The transition to alternate energy sources is not without challenges:

Infrastructure Costs: Shifting to future fuels requires significant investment in infrastructure, such as grid modernisation, storage facilities, and distribution networks. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates that global energy investments must reach $5.7 trillion annually by 2030 to meet climate targets.
Raw Material Scarcity: Renewable technologies rely on critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earths, which are concentrated in a few countries, raising concerns about supply chain stability.
Policy Gaps: A lack of consistent policy frameworks slows the adoption of alternate fuels in many regions.

Collaborative Success Stories
Global initiatives highlight the promise of alternate energy:

India’s Solar Power Leadership: India’s International Solar Alliance has brought together 121 countries to promote solar power, targeting 1,000 GW of solar capacity by 2030.
Hydrogen Valleys in Europe: The EU’s Hydrogen Valley projects integrate production, storage, and utilisation of green hydrogen, creating regional ecosystems for clean energy.
Africa’s Green Energy Push: Kenya sources over 90 percent of its electricity from renewables, with significant investments in geothermal and wind energy.

Future Outlook
The future of energy is undoubtedly green, but achieving it requires a collective effort:

Accelerating R&D: Innovations in storage, efficiency, and scalability are critical to making future fuels viable.
Strengthening Policy: Governments must implement robust incentives, carbon pricing, and international agreements to foster adoption.
Ensuring Equity: The transition must be inclusive, ensuring that developing nations have access to financing and technology.

The Way Forward
From fossil fuels to future fuels, the energy transition represents an unprecedented opportunity to redefine the global energy system. Alternate energy sources not only address climate challenges but also pave the way for economic growth, energy security, and social equity.

By 2050, renewables are expected to supply 90 percent of global electricity, hydrogen will power industries and transport, and biofuels will revolutionise aviation and shipping. The promise of alternate energy is within reach, but realising it depends on our collective will to invest in, innovate, and adopt sustainable solutions for a brighter, cleaner future.

- Arushi Sana, Co-Founder, Santerra Industries