Global Tendencies of Clean Energy Development

Abstract

The article is devoted to identifying long-term (2011–2021) tendencies of the world energy development. “Clean” energy provides long-term sources of energy with low carbon emissions, which encourages countries to expand the use of these sources of energy. The study identified three tendencies. Firstly, the share of hydrocarbons in energy consumption (oil and refined products, coal, natural gas) is decreasing. Fossil fuels are being replaced by low-carbon alternatives; secondly, investment in new renewable energy capacity is increasing to fulfill the climate commitments and achieve the goals of greenhouse gas emitting countries; Finally, there is growing demand for “clean” sources from China and South Asia. The problem of concentrated investment in renewable energy sources in developed countries and China aggravates the problem of access to energy sources by developing countries. The use of technologies that promote development of “clean” energy sources is expanding. There are spot markets, auctions and tenders, CCS technologies, nuclear and hydrogen energy, and corporate agreements.