One of the congress’ key findings was that renewable energy technologies such as wind and photovoltaics could supply 40 per cent of the world’s electricity by 2050 if adequate financial and political support is provided. The research, presented by Peter Lund from the Helsinki University of Technology’s Advanced Energy Systems in Espoo, Finland, challenges previous projections that renewables could only provide a 12 per cent share of global electricity needs by 2030.

“Our findings demonstrate that with global political support and financial investment, previous notions that the potential for renewables was in some way limited to a negligible fraction of world demand were wrong. If we prioritise and recognise the value of renewable energy technologies, their potential to supply us with the energy we need is tremendous,” said Mr Lund.

However, the findings also indicated that if such technologies are marginalised, their share is likely to hover below 15 per cent.

Other research presented at the congress examined the limitations and potential of wind, biomass and biofuels, identifying key areas that each sector would need to target if they are to be considered viable.

According to wind energy expert Erik Lundtang Petersen from the Technical University of Denmark, in order for the wind sector to deliver its full potential, research areas – including turbine technology, wind energy integration and offshore deployment – will be crucial to maximising future growth.

Within the biofuels and biomass sectors, research conducted by Jeanette Whitaker of the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology in Lancaster, United Kingdom found that second generation biofuels, such as ethanol from woody crops or straw, had substantially lower energy requirements and greenhouse gas emissions than first generation biofuels, such as ethanol made from foodstuffs.

“These findings are important and relevant, as the current biofuel debate has centred on the issue of the competing need for crops to be used for food versus fuel,” said Ms Whitaker.

The CSIRO was also present at the congress, presenting research into community attitudes towards climate change and energy.

“We need to research and develop new energy technologies but if they’re not going to be accepted by people then we’ve missed the mark,” said CSIRO Energy Transformed Flagship Social Researcher Peta Ashworth.

“Being able to present this research in an international forum that will feed into the United Nations Climate Change Conference later this year is a wonderful opportunity.”

The social research program is an initiative of the CSIRO Energy Transformed Flagship. Originating from a series of citizens panels, the project now includes a number of large scale projects that examine the opinions and behaviours of community members in relation to climate change, energy technologies and the challenges people face when trying to reduce their carbon footprint and energy consumption.

“People want to be properly informed and be able to make the connection between what they’re doing and the positive impact it’s having when it comes to climate change. The more people know, the more willing they are to accept new technologies and make positive changes,” said Ms Ashworth.

“For example, it’s evident from our research that people have a strong preference towards solar energy and emerging technologies like geothermal and many people expressed a willingness to pay more for power to support the continued development and implementation of these technologies.”

The International Scientific Congress on Climate Change took place in Copenhagen in March. A synthesis report of the congress’ findings will be presented to world leaders as they gather later this year in Copenhagen for the post-Kyoto negotiations at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15).