The world can shift to 100 % renewable electricity sources by 2050 using today 's technology and be more cost effective than the present fossil - fuel based system , according to research from Finland ’s Lappeenranta University of Technology and Energy Watch Group . By 2050 , 100 % of power demand could be met by current renewable technologies , at a global average levelised cost of electricity ( LCOE ) of € 52 / MWh , compared with 2015 ’s average LCOE of € 70 . Only time will tell whether this study’s recommendation will translate into reality. Solar power would cover 69 % of electricity supply , wind 18 % , hydro 8 % and bioenergy 2 % . About 31 % of demand would be met by energy storage , of which 95 % would be from batteries and the remainder from coal - to - gas technology .
The world can shift to 100 % renewable electricity sources by 2050 using today 's technology and be more cost effective than the present fossil - fuel based system , according to research from Finland ’s Lappeenranta University of Technology and Energy Watch Group . By 2050 , 100 % of power demand could be met by current renewable technologies , at a global average levelised cost of electricity ( LCOE ) of € 52 / MWh , compared with 2015 ’s average LCOE of € 70 . Solar power would cover 69 % of electricity supply , wind 18 % , hydro 8 % and bioenergy 2 % . About 31 % of demand would be met by energy storage , of which 95 % would be from batteries and the remainder from coal - to - gas technology .