As the world faces the mounting impacts of climate change, the need for renewable energy has never been more urgent. Governments, corporations, and societies are racing to reduce their carbon footprints, improve energy security, and foster economic resilience through renewable energy. The global transition to renewable energy is essential to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions.
However, this transition faces significant challenges, particularly in regions with limited renewable energy infrastructure and difficult geographic conditions. Manufacturers, who are often large energy consumers, bear the brunt of this challenge. They not only face the pressure to meet sustainability goals but must also find ways to do so in areas where renewable energy is not readily available. Overcoming these challenges is critical for fully harnessing the power of renewable energy and achieving global sustainability goals.
Renewable energy encompasses a range of sources, including solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass. These alternatives to fossil fuels offer the promise of cleaner, more sustainable energy production. Recent years have seen remarkable progress in renewable energy technology, leading to falling costs and increased capacity.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), by 2026, global renewable electricity capacity is forecast to rise more than 60% from 2020 levels to over 4,800 GW – equivalent to the current total global power capacity of fossil fuels and nuclear combined. Renewables are set to account for almost 95% of the increase in global power capacity through 2026, with solar PV alone providing more than half. The amount of renewable capacity added throughout 2021 to 2026 is expected to be 50% higher than from 2015 to 2020. This is driven by stronger support from government policies and more ambitious clean energy goals announced before and during the COP26 Climate Change Conference.
The adoption of renewable energy on a global scale faces significant challenges, particularly in regions where infrastructure is underdeveloped or where geographic constraints hinder the availability of resources. For example, in areas where grids are unreliable or non-existent, such as parts of Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, industries face high costs and technical difficulties in accessing renewable power.
In addition, geographic limitations play a crucial role. Not all regions have abundant solar, wind, or hydropower resources. While many developed countries can tap into advanced grid systems or easily accessible renewable energy sources, many emerging markets rely heavily on fossil fuels due to a lack of investment in renewable infrastructure. This reliance hampers the ability of manufacturers to transition to cleaner energy sources.
Epson’s Global Renewable Energy Milestone
Epson offers a compelling case study for manufacturers seeking to overcome these challenges. In a 2024 White Paper., the company announced that as of December 2023, it had become the first Japanese manufacturing company in the RE100 initiative to switch to 100% renewable electricity across all its global operations. The company consumes approximately 876 GWh of electricity annually, and by transitioning to renewables, it reduces carbon emissions by some 400,000 tons a year, based on 2022 standards.
Epson’s path toward this achievement began in 2017 when it started transitioning production sites in Italy, the UK, and the Philippines to renewable energy sources. This move continued with sites in China, South Korea, Australia, and Thailand in 2022. By 2023, Epson had made significant progress in converting its operations in Brazil, Indonesia, and the US to renewable energy. One of the key factors in Epson’s success has been its ability to tap into local renewable energy sources that align with the geographic and infrastructural constraints of each region.
Local Solutions in Challenging Regions
Epson’s success in the Philippines and Indonesia highlights the importance of finding local solutions to overcome renewable energy challenges. In the Philippines, Epson taps into the country’s geothermal and hydroelectric resources. The Philippines is one of the world’s top producers of geothermal energy, thanks to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where volcanic activity is abundant. Epson’s decision to leverage geothermal energy in its Philippines operations allows the company to access a reliable and sustainable energy source that is well-suited to the local geography.
In Indonesia, Epson has taken a different approach, tapping into biomass power to fuel its operations. Indonesia is a country rich in agricultural resources, and biomass—energy produced from organic materials such as wood, agricultural residues, and animal waste—offers a viable renewable energy option. By using locally sourced biomass, Epson has been able to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and make significant progress toward its sustainability goals. While infrastructure and geographic challenges persist in hindering renewable energy adoption, now is the time to act decisively. Innovative strategies and investments are not just paving the way—they are essential to securing a more sustainable future. By modernizing outdated grids, advancing cutting-edge storage technologies, and embracing decentralized energy solutions tailored to local needs, we can unleash the full potential of renewable energy. However, this transition requires more than technological advancements; it demands bold collaboration between governments, businesses, and communities to accelerate progress. The future is in our hands, and it’s time to power it with renewables.
The author is Epson’s Regional Head for East and West Africa.
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