ABSTRACT
Transitioning to renewable energy is a key process for tackling both air quality and climate change issues, ultimately benefitting society. Progress is being made, and new electricity-generating capacity added in 2017 and 2018 included mostly renewable systems. In 2017, wind-generated electricity became the lowest-cost alternative in a number of markets, and more than 50% of newly installed capacity was solar power. More than 100 cities have electric power systems with more than 70% renewable generating capacity. There are also over 100 cities and more than 55 countries that have a goal of 100% renewable electricity at a future date. Developments in technology and competitive procurement have driven down the cost of new renewable wind generating capacity to about $0.03/kWh in many locations. The very significant progress in improving wind and solar generating technologies has been very important in reducing the cost of electricity from renewable sources. We still need to improve and expand the use of these renewable energy technologies, but there are immense benefits to be realized in our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.
