100% green energy

anon

Clarification activity	Utopias and the Information Society
Author(s)	Alexander Forsch [Alex Forsch]
Creation date	Jan 2024
Status	🔵 Ready to publish

100% Green Energy represent both a technological project and a utopian horizon for the future of society in which the energy is totally suplyed by renewable sources. It examines how a complete transition toward renewable energy sources—such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and other sustainable systems—could transform not only energy production, but also social organization, economic relations, environmental governance, and everyday life. Moving between utopian aspirations and dystopian risks, the article reflects on the possibility of a future “Green Society” in which technological innovation, ecological sustainability, and global cooperation are harmonized to create a more equitable and environmentally balanced civilization. In this sense, the article complements the glossaLAB article Engineering the environment, which more broadly examines how technological systems are used to reshape natural and social environments, opening both emancipatory and potentially dystopian futures.

100% green/renewable energy

The pressing challenges of climate change and the need to move away from conventional energy sources have highlighted a visionary perspective - a world powered entirely by renewable energy. The seminal works of M. Delucchi, M. Jacobson ("A Plan to Power 100 Percent of the Planet with Renewables") and Rian van Staden ("The Pathway to 100% Renewable Energy-A Vision") offer a deep insight into the feasibility and possible pathway to shaping a society based solely on renewable energy sources.

In their blueprint, Delucchi and Jacobson (2009) lay out a thorough game plan with the ambitious goal of fuelling the entire planet using renewable energy. They researched the usage of solar, wind, hydropower, and other green resources. However, it's not just about producing enough energy for the world's energy demand; it's also about doing it in a eco-friendly way, with the goal of keeping our ecological impact as small as possible.

Similarly, van Staden (2020) presents a visionary path to 100% renewable energy use. His work emphasizes not only the technological aspects, but also the social and political dimensions of this change. By integrating renewable energy sources into all aspects of life, van Staden proposes a comprehensive path that shapes not only energy production but also people's everyday lives.

These visionary perspectives not only provide a blueprint for the future, but also inspire reflection on how a society based solely on renewable energy can create prosperity and balance. By analyzing these seminal works, we can delve deeper into the concepts that drive this utopia and understand the fundamental principles that can shape a sustainable and renewable future.

The utopian idea

The dream about a world powered entirely run by renewable energy may appear to be a utopian ideal, perhaps too good to be true. However, there are many utopian concepts, which are possible to achieve.

Geus introduces us to the concept of ecological utopianism in his book "Utopian Sustainability: Ecological Utopianism" (Geus, 2009). This isn't just a simple idea. It's a well-thought-out framework that shows that the only way for communities to meet all of their needs is, through renewable energy. Geus encourages us to understand this as more than a technological revolution; it is a significant cultural upheaval. It's a vision that goes beyond solar panels and wind turbines, asking us to reconsider the very core of growth and achievement in order to match with natural rhythms.

Strengers takes us on a voyage into the potential social implications of a complete shift to renewable energy in her reflections found in "Smart Energy Technologies in Everyday Life: Smart Utopia?" (Strengers, 2013). Consider not just a change in how we power our homes, but a shift in how we live and connect as a community. Strengers invites us to imagine a world in which energy-efficient technology smoothly integrate into our daily lives, drastically transforming our understanding of community, resource utilization, and quality of life. It's about more than just turning out the lights; it's about societal change.

This utopian dream of 100% renewable energy is more than simply flashy new devices; it requires a significant adjustment in our attitude and habits. It is not only about producing cleaner energy, but also about transforming our culture to fulfill environmental goals. This utopia breaks the line between individual and social well-being, a substantial divergence from our current reality. The change is more than just technological; it is an invitation to rethink our relationship and interaction with the environment and with one another.

Envision a society where renewable energy isn't just a power source but an integral part of a broader circular economy. Picture energy systems seamlessly interwoven with recycling, reusing, and minimizing waste. Every by-product generated from energy production becomes a valuable resource for other industries, fostering a closed-loop and sustainable ecosystem. In this utopia, not a single resource used or created in a process goes to waste, creating a harmonious balance between energy needs and environmental responsibility.

Consider cities that are purposefully designed and structured with sustainability as its main feature, featuring green roofs, vertical gardens, and their infrastructure powered entirely by renewable energy sources. The goal of it is to create a completely green environment, combining the human world and nature. It supports human well-being and the health of the planet by integrating nature into the urban landscape.

Consider a society in which the right to clean, renewable energy is a basic human right. Every everyone, regardless of geographic location or economic position, has access to reliable and sustainable energy sources. This isn't simply an ideal; it's a reality that promotes a fairer and more just global community, improving the quality of life for all while harming no one.

As we investigate these utopian ideals, we not only recognize the challenges, but we are also inspired by the enticing potential of a sustainable, renewable future. It's about recognizing potential roadblocks but also comprehending the driving force that comes from picturing a society in which energy is more than simply a commodity but a catalyst for positive change.

The dystopian possibilities

The challenging objective of running the globe entirely on renewable energy sources involves not just utopian ideals but also presents dystopian challenges.

Realizing this ambitious goal demands not only groundbreaking technological advancements but also a profound shift in our societal frameworks and behaviors. A potential dystopian scenario might unfold if this transformation exacerbates social inequalities, triggers resistance, and sparks unrest as communities grapple with adapting to new paradigms (M. D. Geus, 2009).

The infusion of smart technologies and renewable energies into our daily lives doesn't automatically translate into an idyllic society. Dystopian elements could be seen in the shape of privacy infringements, social surveillance, and a reliance on technological systems that render a society susceptible to manipulation and control (Strengers, 2013).

The transition to 100% renewable energy also presents economic challenges. The displacement of jobs in traditional fossil fuel sectors could incite social turmoil. Additionally, an unintended concentration of power within a select few in the renewable energy industry may usher in new forms of inequality and dependency.

Thinking about these apocalyptic obstacles makes it clear that the path to 100% renewable energy requires careful consideration of social, economic, and ethical aspects in addition to technological innovation. Achieving a delicate equilibrium is crucial in order to minimize possible negative consequences and fully reap the benefits of a sustainable energy-based future.

From Renewable Energy to the Green Society

In addition to a significant decrease in the impact on the environment, the ideal of 100% renewable energy offers a profound shift in our civilization. There is hope for a world where technology, community, and environment coexist peacefully if we can just meet our energy needs through sustainable means.

However, looking at dystopian aspects reveals that the path to a sustainable future is not without challenges. Social inequality, privacy concerns, economic dislocations and technological dependencies could accompany the transition to 100% green energy. These challenges need to be addressed carefully to ensure that the positive vision is not overshadowed by the downsides.

Another problem which would need to be faced are the governments. They would need to unite to be able to achieve 100% green energy, but there are problems we currently have like: historical disputes, geopolitical tensions, and economic disparities. Those would need to be solved before greater can be achieved. Ultimately this cannot be done by individualism, but by working together greater than ever before. Additionally, the way of living would also need to be adjusted. This means living less wasteful, regarding energy or also general resources and focusing more on the community then being self-centered.

Although, these challenges can be faced with care and then such scenarios won't happen. Which means the thought of having the world run on 100% renewable energy should always be maintained. In the end there can be no greater reason and motivation then saving the planet and not destroying it, by wasting its resources and creating pollution.

Looking at the utopian aspects you will need to ask yourself which will be possible, both for now and in the long run. Some may look more challenging while some are seemingly simple. However, none of these thoughts shouldn't be tried to achieve. All of them are creating a better world for people living without having negative impacts.

In my personal opinion it seems rather unrealistic for now and the idea of having the whole planet running on renewable energy, will create a further divide in poor and rich, if we rush this transformation, because big companies will try to create a monopoly out of such scenarios. Although, what I can imagine is certain areas or project like cities run 100% on green energy. This is already happening around the world in places like for example Neom. Where cities are structured to be an own ecosystem by themselves having green rooftops, vertical gardens like envisioned in one of the utopian ideas.

Even while the perfect world with just renewable energy is still a way off, it can be a great source of inspiration for long-term, sustainable change. We can achieve this goal and create a future where our energy sources coexist peacefully with communities and the environment by carrying out more research, coming up with new ideas, and working together. Although this route may be difficult, it is essential for a world that aspires to flourish as well as survive.

In the next section I describe a made-up scenario, which I would see as a utopia, based on having the planets energy run by 100% renewable energy. In this scenario I will delve into different utopian ideas, which I found in my researched and how I could imagine them.

The Green Society: a cyberutopia

It’s 2040 in Germany and the world is changing, we are living in a so called “green” society. In the last few years, we leaned towards having the planet run on 100% green energy. But not only the energy source also changed the way of living has changed a lot. In the time at we are now all humans and animals are living happily together. In addition to stabilizing the climate, the joint efforts initiated by the Paris Agreement have ushered in a period of unparalleled international unanimity. There were difficulties along the way in the transition to renewable energy. To work towards a sustainable future, nations stopped grieving for who has greater power. They had to overcome historical disputes, geopolitical tensions, and economic disparities. However, in the end they united and knew this would lead to greater heights. This change motivated a global wave of innovation and cross-border cooperation among scientists, engineers, and leaders to develop cutting-edge technologies that fulfilled the potential of renewable energy. Countries have found and harnessed their particular resources to contribute to the global energy pool as the world thrives on combined energy creation. There are countries like Egypt, Mauritania, Morocco, and Algeria, who built a lot of solar panels in the Sahara providing energy which works best for their environment, transforming them into solar energy powerhouses. This not only produces clean electricity, but it also revitalizes dry regions, promotes sustainable agriculture, and regenerates ecosystems. Similarly, hydro-rich nations such as China, Canada, and Sweden have taken on the burden of generating renewable energy through hydropower facilities, owing to their lush landscapes and copious water supplies. Hydropower not only creates electricity but also effectively manages water resources in these areas, reducing droughts and preserving biodiversity. Countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and the USA harness the relentless power of the wind through expansive wind farms. The shift to wind energy has transformed rural landscapes, creating new opportunities for communities. Wind farms, once symbols of modernity, have become hubs for local innovation and education, instilling pride and ownership among the communities involved. An interconnected energy network ensures that every country, regardless of its geographical or economic status, has access to clean, sustainable energy. Strategically placed energy storages worldwide facilitate mutual support, promoting global cooperation and interdependence. The development of these storage systems symbolizes global solidarity, showcasing the triumph of collaboration over competition and self-interest. With the help of these energy systems, every country, even when not producing not enough energy for themselves, can have clean energy all the time. The impact on the quality of life is evident. With no energy expenses, people experience a 30% increase in their overall well-being. This change has particularly benefited the economically disadvantaged, providing them with the opportunity to lead more comfortable lives. The eradication of energy poverty has opened doors for education, employment, and improved healthcare, creating a more equitable and inclusive society. Furthermore, global collaboration on renewable energy has extended beyond the environmental realm. Witnessing governments unite for a common cause has inspired a shift in the mindset of individuals worldwide. The community-oriented approach, forged through the pursuit of shared goals, has led to a stronger sense of interconnectedness among people. With no more worries about energy costs, people can now focus on personal growth, education, and immersing themselves in culture. This newfound prosperity has sparked a revival of art, literature, and scientific exploration, shaping a society that not only cherishes sustainable living but also revels in the wealth of human creativity and intellect. More people are tending to work their dream jobs, due the lesser money problems they have with living expenses. Communities no longer act in their own best interests; instead, they work together to solve problems, utilizing the knowledge gained during the Salsumia flu pandemic in 2032. A worldwide awakening was sparked by the pandemic, which brought to light the frailty of human existence and the value of cooperation in the face of difficulty. The collective consciousness is imprinted with memories of communities uniting to stop the virus's spread, which perpetuates a steadfast dedication to unity. This renewed sense of togetherness is actively shaping our world, creating a paradise where everyone is committed to living sustainably and peacefully. The wisdom gained from past challenges now guides a society that treasures compassion, cooperation, and a shared responsibility to safeguard both the planet and its people. The dream of relying entirely on renewable energy goes beyond just its environmental effects; it stands as proof of how unity and a common purpose can bring about profound transformations.

The dream of relying entirely on renewable energy goes beyond just its environmental effects; it stands as proof of how unity and a common purpose can bring about profound transformations.