The Multicolor of Energy: Challenges and Opportunities for the Energy Transition

In the heart of our existence and progress as a civilization, energy plays a central role as the axis around which our economies, our cities, and our daily lives revolve. However, as we advance into the third decade of the 21st century, we face a crossroads: the energy paradigms of the past no longer seem to sustain the future, which is threatened by climate change and environmental degradation. The global energy crisis we face today is not only a matter of supply and demand but also touches the depths of sustainability and equity.

The depletion of non-renewable energy resources (such as fossil fuels) and growing concerns about climate change have driven the need for a transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. This energy transition (ET) has become a global priority to mitigate negative environmental impacts and to ensure a reliable and affordable energy supply for future generations.

In this regard, there has been a significant increase in investment and development of renewable energy technologies, such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, and biomass. These energy sources are considered more sustainable as they generate fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, although it is worth noting that they also maintain a high dependency on the use of resources classified as pollutants; for example, hydrocarbons, scarce minerals, and various types of chemicals. As these technologies become more efficient and economically viable, their adoption has accelerated in many countries and has become an integral part of energy strategies at national and regional levels.

However, the ET also presents significant challenges. The intermittent generation of renewable energy presents storage and grid management issues. Additionally, the existing infrastructure and distribution systems are primarily designed for conventional energy sources, requiring significant investments and upgrades to effectively integrate renewable energies into the grid. Furthermore, the dependence on critical minerals for the manufacture of renewable energy technologies has raised concerns about supply security and the socio-environmental impacts associated with their extraction.

In geopolitical terms, the ET has reshaped the global landscape. Countries rich in traditional energy resources face the challenge of diversifying their economies and reducing their dependence on revenues from these resources. At the same time, nations with significant potential for renewable energy generation are gaining importance and influence in the energy sector. The competition for access and control of these strategic resources has led to geopolitical tensions and disputes in different regions of the world.

For these reasons, this book is positioned amid these significant changes and seeks to provide a deeper understanding of key concepts, the global energy context, essential mineral resources, the geopolitical landscape, as well as the challenges and opportunities related to the global ET towards a sustainable and inclusive future.