A critique of Jacobson and Delucchi's proposals for a world renewable energy supply

Jacobson and Delucchi have recently put forward a detailed case in support of the claim that renewable energy sources can meet total world energy demand. The following argument is that this proposal is unsatisfactory, primarily because it does not deal effectively with the problems set by the variability of renewable energy sources, and also because its analysis of investment costs is inadequate.

► The claims of Jacobson and Delucchi are the possibility of a world energy supply from renewable sources are critically examined. ► It is concluded that these claims are not justified. ► The discussion reinforces the case that renewable sources cannot sustain. energy-intensive societies.