Short answer
When designing products or systems, assume the technical feasibility of 100% renewable electricity and focus on optimizing its integration and efficiency.
- Field
- Sustainability
- Source
- Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews (2018)
- Method
- Critical review and rebuttal
- Evidence
- Strong effect
This paper refutes claims that 100% renewable electricity systems lack technical feasibility, asserting that all identified challenges have already been addressed in engineering and modelling literature. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2018 study published in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. Using Critical review and rebuttal, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing products or systems, assume the technical feasibility of 100% renewable electricity and focus on optimizing its integration and efficiency.
Comprehensive renewable electricity system designs are technically feasible and economically viable.
This paper refutes claims that 100% renewable electricity systems lack technical feasibility, asserting that all identified challenges have already been addressed in engineering and modelling literature.
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews · 2018
Key Findings
- 01The feasibility criteria chosen by the 'Burden of proof' authors are easily addressed at low economic cost and do not invalidate the technical feasibility of 100% renewable electricity systems.
- 02All technical issues raised by the 'Burden of proof' article regarding 100% renewable electricity systems have already been comprehensively addressed in existing engineering and modelling literature.
- 03Renewable energy systems are not only feasible but are becoming increasingly economically viable and decreasing in cost.
- 04Nuclear power, often presented as an alternative, faces genuine feasibility problems such as finite resources and reliance on unproven technologies.
Application
Design takeaway
When designing products or systems, assume the technical feasibility of 100% renewable electricity and focus on optimizing its integration and efficiency.
How to apply
When designing a new building, product, or community, assume that its energy needs can be met entirely by renewable sources and design the energy infrastructure accordingly, integrating solutions like solar, wind, and battery storage.
Project actions
- 01When designing a sustainable product or system, research how it can be powered entirely by renewable energy.
- 02Consider the full lifecycle energy consumption of your design and how to minimize it using renewable sources.
- 03Explore different renewable energy technologies (solar, wind, hydro, geothermal) and their suitability for your design context.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a strong counter-argument to common misconceptions about renewable energy.
- +Highlights the economic viability and decreasing costs of renewable technologies.
- +Encourages designers to confidently pursue fully renewable solutions.
Limitations
This paper is a rebuttal, so it doesn't provide a detailed 'how-to' guide for building a 100% renewable system. It also doesn't cover social or political barriers.
Reliability & validity
The reliability of this paper comes from its comprehensive review of existing engineering and modelling literature, suggesting a broad consensus. Its validity is strengthened by directly addressing and refuting specific, published claims with evidence from the scientific community, rather than making general assertions.
Think critically
How might the 'burden of proof' argument be used by industries or governments resistant to renewable energy, and how can designers counter such arguments with evidence-based solutions?
Design Principles
"Prioritize and design for 100% renewable energy integration, as its technical and economic viability is proven."
For design engineering, understanding the feasibility and economic viability of renewable energy systems is crucial for sustainable design. It informs decisions on resource management, product life cycles, and the development of environmentally responsible innovations.
What This Means for Your Design
It's totally possible to power everything with 100% renewable energy, and it's getting cheaper all the time. Don't let anyone tell you it's too hard or impossible.
How to use in your project
- 1.Cite this paper to support the technical and economic feasibility of your renewable energy-based design solutions.
- 2.Use it to justify your choice of renewable energy sources over fossil fuels or nuclear power in your design rationale.
- 3.Refer to the 'addressed issues' to show awareness of potential challenges and how they can be overcome.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
According to Brown et al. (2018), the technical and economic feasibility of 100% renewable electricity systems is well-established, refuting claims that such systems are impractical. This research indicates that challenges often cited against renewable energy have already been addressed in engineering and modelling literature, making the transition to fully renewable energy grids a viable and increasingly cost-effective design goal. Therefore, my design for [product/system] prioritizes integration with renewable energy sources, aligning with proven sustainable practices.
Source
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
Response to ‘Burden of proof: A comprehensive review of the feasibility of 100% renewable-electricity systems’
journal · 2018
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about comprehensive renewable electricity system designs are technically feasible and economically viable?
- When designing products or systems, assume the technical feasibility of 100% renewable electricity and focus on optimizing its integration and efficiency. Evidence: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews (2018).
- Why does "Comprehensive renewable electricity system designs are technically feasible and economically viable." matter for design?
- For IB Design Technology, understanding the feasibility and economic viability of renewable energy systems is crucial for sustainable design. It informs decisions on resource management, product life cycles, and the development of environmentally responsible innovations.
- How can designers apply this research?
- When designing products or systems, assume the technical feasibility of 100% renewable electricity and focus on optimizing its integration and efficiency.
- What were the main findings?
- The feasibility criteria chosen by the 'Burden of proof' authors are easily addressed at low economic cost and do not invalidate the technical feasibility of 100% renewable electricity systems.. All technical issues raised by the 'Burden of proof' article regarding 100% renewable electricity systems have already been comprehensively addressed in existing engineering and modelling literature.. Renewable energy systems are not only feasible but are becoming increasingly economically viable and decreasing in cost.. Nuclear power, often presented as an alternative, faces genuine feasibility problems such as finite resources and reliance on unproven technologies.
- What research method was used?
- Critical review and rebuttal.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2018 journal from Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing a new building, product, or community, assume that its energy needs can be met entirely by renewable sources and design the energy infrastructure accordingly, integrating solutions like solar, wind, and battery storage.
- What are the limitations?
- This paper is a rebuttal to a specific critique; it does not detail the specific technical solutions but rather asserts their existence in the broader literature. It also does not delve into the socio-political challenges of transitioning to 100% renewables.