Globally interconnected solar-wind system addresses future electricity demands

Hou Jiang, Ling Yao (), Jun Qin, Yongqing Bai, Martin Brandt, Xu Lian, Steve J. Davis, Ning Lu, Wenli Zhao, Tang Liu and Chenghu Zhou ()
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Hou Jiang: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Ling Yao: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Jun Qin: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Yongqing Bai: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Martin Brandt: University of Copenhagen
Xu Lian: Columbia University
Steve J. Davis: Stanford University
Ning Lu: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Wenli Zhao: Columbia University
Tang Liu: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Chenghu Zhou: Chinese Academy of Sciences

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: Abstract Accelerating energy transition towards renewables is central to net-zero emissions. However, building a global power system dominated by solar and wind energy presents immense challenges. Here, we demonstrate the potential of a globally interconnected solar-wind system to meet future electricity demands. We estimate that such a system could generate ~3.1 times the projected 2050 global electricity demand. By optimizing solar-wind deployment, storage capacity, and trans-regional transmission, the solar-wind penetration could be achieved using only 29.4% of the highest potential, with a 15.6% reduction in initial investment compared to a strategy without interconnection. Global interconnection improves energy efficiency, mitigates the variability of renewable energy, promotes energy availability, and eases the economic burden of decarbonization. Importantly, this interconnected system shows remarkable resilience to climate extremes, generation outages, transmission disruptions, and geopolitical conflicts. Our findings underscore the potential of global interconnection in enabling high renewable penetration and guiding sustainable energy transitions.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59879-9

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