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The Role of Renewable Energy in Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Trends and Opportunities

3 min read Article by Donald Yakumbur | Programme Management and Value Chain Expert

Photo Credit: Jia Yu

Introduction
The urgent need to address climate change has led to a significant shift towards renewable energy sources, driven by technological advancements, declining costs, and growing environmental concerns (IRENA, 2020). Renewable energy has emerged as a critical component in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which are responsible for global warming and associated climate change impacts (IPCC, 2018). This article explores the role of renewable energy in reducing GHG emissions, highlighting trends, opportunities, and case studies.
Renewable Energy Growth and Trends
Renewable energy capacity has grown exponentially over the past decade, with solar and wind energy leading the charge (IEA, 2020). In 2019, renewable energy accounted for 36% of global power generation, up from 22% in 2010 (IEA, 2020). Solar energy has experienced the most rapid growth, with capacity increasing from 15 GW in 2008 to over 720 GW in 2020 (SolarPower Europe, 2020).
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Potential
Renewable energy has significant potential to reduce GHG emissions. A study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that widespread adoption of renewable energy could reduce GHG emissions by 78% by 2050 (NREL, 2019). Another study by the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimated that renewable energy could provide 60% of the emissions reductions needed to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels (IEA, 2019).
Opportunities for Renewable Energy Integration
Several opportunities exist for integrating renewable energy into the energy mix, including:
1. Grid modernization: Upgrading grid infrastructure to accommodate variable renewable energy sources (IRENA, 2020).
2. Energy storage: Deploying energy storage technologies, such as batteries, to stabilize the grid and ensure a reliable energy supply (IEA, 2020).
3. Electrification of transportation: Promoting the adoption of electric vehicles to reduce GHG emissions from transportation (IEA, 2020).
4. Green hydrogen: Producing hydrogen from renewable energy sources for use in industrial processes, transportation, and power generation (IRENA, 2020).
Case Studies
Renewable Energy in Action
Several countries and companies have made significant strides in integrating renewable energy into their energy mix:
1. Costa Rica: Aims to become carbon-neutral by 2050, with renewable energy accounting for over 90% of its electricity generation (Costa Rican Ministry of Environment and Energy, 2020).
2. Denmark: Targets 50% of its electricity generation to come from wind power by 2025 (Danish Energy Agency, 2020).
3. Google: Has invested over $3.5 billion in renewable energy projects, with a goal of powering 100% of its operations with renewable energy (Google, 2020).
Conclusion
Renewable energy has emerged as a critical component in reducing GHG emissions and addressing climate change. With the cost of renewable energy technologies declining and grid infrastructure modernizing, the opportunities for integrating renewable energy into the energy mix are vast. As the world transitions towards a low-carbon economy, it is essential to continue investing in renewable energy technologies, promoting energy storage and grid modernization, and encouraging the electrification of transportation.


For more information, contact:
Phone number: +2348038945237
Email: d.yakumbur@changemakersconsultingltd.org
For more reading visit:

• Costa Rican Ministry of Environment and Energy. (2020). National Decarbonization Plan.
• Danish Energy Agency. (2020). Energy Strategy 2050.
• Google. (2020). Sustainability.
• IEA. (2019). Energy Efficiency 2019.
• IEA. (2020). Global Energy Review 2020.
• IPCC. (2018). Global Warming of 1.5°C.
• IRENA. (2020). Global Renewables Outlook: Transforming the Energy System.
• NREL. (2019). Renewable Electricity Futures Study.
• SolarPower Europe. (2020). Global Market Outlook for Solar Power 2020-2024.

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Author:

Donald Yakumbur | Programme Management and Value Chain Expert

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Donald has successfully conducted field consultations, stakeholder engagements, and data-driven assessments to enhance agricultural productivity, food security, and sustainable value chain development. His expertise spans across smallholder farmer inclusion, SME growth, market linkages, and policy implementation, making him a strong asset for the Baseline Study on Grains Production in Nigeria.
Donald has led field studies, household surveys, and qualitative research in rural communities, applying Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and geospatial analysis to assess agricultural trends. His field experience includes working in fragile states such as Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara for IFAD and AFD’s Value Chain Programme in Northern Nigeria (VCN) program where he conducted Value Chain Assessments covering rice, maize, millet, cowpea, sorghum, groundnuts, vegetables and small ruminants. On the same VCN programme he also conducted a Gender Fragility and Conflict Assessment in Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states.
He is proficient in survey design, data collection frameworks, and statistical analysis using tools such as Kobo toolbox and Excel. His ability to synthesize findings into actionable insights has informed key agricultural development strategies and policy reforms.
Donald has played a critical role in multi-stakeholder coordination for agricultural projects, engaging government agencies, farmer organizations, private sector actors, and development partners. In addition to the VCN, he has supported other IFAD interventions in the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Project for the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND), Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) and Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ IFAD cofinanced with AfDB and IsDB) programs been implemented in Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, and Taraba states providing technical advisory, progress reporting, supervisions, implementation support and validation of research findings.
His contributions to the 2024–2029 IFAD Country Strategic Opportunities Programme (COSOP) highlight his policy expertise, particularly in financial inclusion, market access, and gender-responsive agricultural development.