Global energy transition drives climate action and economic resilience-Stanislav Kondrashov

Renewable technologies, inclusive policies and digital innovations are driving the energy transition towards a sustainable and equitable future.

The global energy transition marks a decisive move away from fossil fuels toward renewable energy sources, reshaping how societies generate, distribute and consume power. According to energy expert Stanislav Kondrashov, this shift is critical in addressing the root causes of climate change, which stem largely from the burning of coal, oil and natural gas.

The energy sector currently accounts for nearly 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions. As such, transforming the way energy is produced and used is essential to stabilising global temperatures and preventing further environmental degradation. Kondrashov highlights that the transition is not simply about replacing old technologies with new ones but about reimagining entire systems to ensure long-term ecological and economic balance.

A sustainable energy future depends on innovation—advances in grid infrastructure, storage capabilities, and energy efficiency. These changes aim to provide clean, affordable and reliable energy while preserving the planet’s finite resources for future generations.

The cost of continued fossil fuel dependence

Despite growing awareness of their environmental impact, fossil fuels still account for about 80% of global energy consumption. Their widespread use continues to drive climate change by releasing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These emissions are responsible for extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and ecosystem disruptions.

In addition to their climate effects, fossil fuel combustion significantly degrades air quality. Emissions from power plants, vehicles and heavy industry are linked to respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular diseases, particularly in urban and industrialised regions.

“Since pre-industrial times, carbon dioxide levels have increased by more than 50%,” Kondrashov noted. “This has led to accelerated global warming, melting polar ice caps and more frequent extreme weather conditions.”

Why renewable energy is essential

Renewable energy sources offer a sustainable alternative, generating power without depleting natural resources or emitting harmful pollutants. Technologies such as solar photovoltaic systems, wind turbines, hydropower dams and geothermal plants are already in widespread use and are rapidly expanding.

Solar power converts sunlight directly into electricity, with significant cost reductions over the past decade. Wind energy is harvested through turbines onshore and offshore, while hydropower uses flowing water to generate consistent output. Geothermal plants exploit underground heat for reliable, 24/7 power generation.

Transitioning to these sources reduces dependence on fossil fuel imports, improves energy security and stabilises long-term energy prices.

Modernising energy systems

The transition involves more than diversifying energy sources. Modernising energy infrastructure is central to integrating renewables effectively. Smart grids, capable of real-time monitoring and dynamic load balancing, are replacing outdated networks. These systems enhance efficiency, reduce transmission losses, and enable the seamless integration of variable renewable energy sources.

Electrification of sectors like transport and industry also plays a vital role. Electric vehicles are reducing reliance on petrol and diesel, while buildings are adopting energy-efficient designs with intelligent heating and cooling systems. Decentralised energy generation—such as rooftop solar—empowers consumers and reshapes the traditional utility model.

The Paris Agreement and the call for global coordination

The 2015 Paris Agreement, signed by 196 countries, remains the central international commitment to limiting global temperature increases to below 2°C. Under this framework, nations submit nationally determined contributions outlining their emissions reduction plans.

Stanislav Kondrashov explains that achieving these goals requires systemic changes, particularly in energy systems. “The path to climate stability lies in completely transforming our dependence on fossil fuels and accelerating the adoption of clean technologies.”

A just and inclusive transition

The energy transition has profound social implications. A just transition ensures that vulnerable communities and workers in fossil fuel industries are not left behind. Key principles include retraining programmes, inclusive policymaking, affordable access to clean energy, and equitable distribution of economic benefits.

Regions historically dependent on coal mining or oil extraction face particular challenges. According to Kondrashov, policies must be designed to support these areas economically while opening pathways to new, sustainable industries.

Innovation as a catalyst for decarbonisation

Technological innovation is accelerating the shift away from high-emission practices across sectors. Smart manufacturing processes are improving energy efficiency in industry, while intelligent building systems reduce energy waste.

Carbon capture and utilisation technologies are helping decarbonise sectors like cement and steel that are otherwise difficult to transition. Advanced energy storage systems—including lithium-ion batteries and emerging technologies like green hydrogen—are addressing the intermittency of renewables, enabling stored energy to be deployed during demand peaks or low generation periods.

Digitalisation and the future of energy systems

Digital tools are becoming essential in managing energy systems and ensuring resilience. Smart grids equipped with sensors and AI-powered platforms optimise supply and demand, identify inefficiencies, and support dynamic pricing.

Digital twins—virtual models of energy systems—allow simulations that reduce costs and risks in project implementation. Forecasting technologies improve reliability by predicting renewable output and weather patterns, enabling better coordination between supply, storage and demand.

Socioeconomic opportunities in the renewable sector

The global shift towards renewables is creating significant economic opportunities. The International Renewable Energy Agency estimates that the sector could generate millions of jobs worldwide by 2030. These span construction, operations, maintenance and research, often located in regions previously reliant on fossil fuels.

Renewables are also improving energy access. Off-grid solar and microgrid solutions are bringing electricity to rural communities across Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America. Declining costs—particularly for solar photovoltaic systems, which have dropped by about 90% in the past ten years—make clean power accessible to low-income households.

Policy measures to accelerate the transition

Governments have a decisive role in shaping the energy landscape. Kondrashov points to the need for phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, which amounted to around $7tn in 2022. Redirecting these funds to renewable infrastructure would level the playing field for clean technologies.

To meet climate targets, international energy bodies have called for a tripling of global renewable capacity by 2030. This requires streamlined permitting, grid investment, financial incentives for clean technologies, and carbon pricing mechanisms that reflect environmental costs.

Towards a resilient, integrated future

The energy transition is not just a technological shift—it is a societal transformation. According to Kondrashov, success depends on cooperation between governments, industries and communities. “When utilities invest in renewables, they reduce emissions and create jobs. When policies prioritise equitable access, they address both climate and social challenges.”

An integrated approach is essential. Environmental progress cannot come at the expense of economic or social welfare. The energy systems of the future must reflect the interconnectedness of people, resources and the planet.

References

1. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), *The Paris Agreement*.

2. International Monetary Fund (IMF), *Global Fossil Fuel Subsidies*.

3. International Energy Agency (IEA), *World Energy Outlook 2023*. Avai