The transition to a more secure, affordable, cleaner and sustainable energy system comes with multiple benefits:
Security:
Increased used of local renewable energy resources will diversify the energy mix and the sources of supply. It will localise energy production and reduce import requirements and costs. It will reduce risks of supply chain disruption and technical system failure, and reduce price volatility. A more efficient energy system will demand less resources and together with a more renewable energy system will ensure a more secure energy supply.
Environment:
Carbon dioxide that is released from the combustion of fossil fuels is regarded as the main driver for climate change. Fossil fuels also release various types of air pollutants that are harmful to human health. A more renewables-based and efficient energy system that relies less on fossil fuels will put the world on a pathway that limits the global temperature increase in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement and a cleaner local environment.
Human health:
Pollution from the extraction of resources, indoor and outdoor air pollution from fuel combustion cause adverse effects on human health. Energy transition will help improve human health and reduce health-related expenditures on the government budgets.
Employment:
The energy sector today employs more than 40 million people (direct and indirect jobs) of which nearly 10 million work in the renewables sector. Increased share of renewables and a more efficient energy system enabled by energy transition will create new employment opportunities across the entire supply chain of low-carbon technologies.
Economic activity:
Energy transition will boost economic activity through the investment stimulus and policy efforts that can enable the transition such as carbon pricing. These will be captured by the growing gross domestic product (GDP) of countries. But not all benefits can be measured by GDP alone. An improved environment, more jobs and better comfort and performance of our modern lives thanks to the energy transition will improve the overall human welfare.