Toward Green Renewable Energies and Energy Storage for the Sustainable Decarbonization and Electrification of Society

Abstract

An extensive literature review was conducted to investigate the pathways for the decarbonization and electrification of society and to cover different aspects to fulfill this objective. Despite the significant attraction and critical demand for achieving net-zero emissions, challenges must be addressed by adjusting policies and regulations and setting investments and budgets with the contribution of all nations and individuals. In this study, we explored the mission and vision of electrification, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the mitigation of global warming, and net-zero targets. We considered alternative scenarios and the COP28 outputs from near-term (2025–2030) and long-term strategies. With this objective in mind, we focused on the clean energy transition as the primary step for electrification. In the following section, we thoroughly reviewed the supplies and capacities of renewables, as well as projected and planned investments, with particular emphasis on hydropower, hydrogen, and other sources. The material demand, which is the main challenge hindering the on-time deployment of clean energy, was investigated. With increasing reliance on renewables, energy storage balances generation and consumption, particularly during peak hours and high-demand situations. Batteries, fuel cells, supercapacitors, and coupled energy conversion and storage were extensively discussed as the main storage devices in electric and hybrid energy storage systems. Finally, we investigated the electrification potential in daily life, from transportation via light- or heavy-duty vehicles to electric aviation, electronic devices, buildings, industrial processes, and smart grids. This framework comprehensively assesses and reviews recently employed strategies for electrification to ensure sustainability and reliability over the coming years.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords

Electrification / Decarbonization / Energy transition / Clean renewable energies / Energy storage / Sustainable life

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