In 2022 in Europe, over 22% of electricity was produced sustainably. For the first time this production has exceeded fossil gas (20%). It is expected that in the future the greatest supply of renewable energy will come from Europe with 15%. Immediately after China with 45%.
Climate change concerns, along with other factors, are pushing many governments to review their energy policies. This is in favor of renewable energy sources.
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What are renewable energies
But let’s take a step back and open a small parenthesis so as not to raise any doubts. What exactly are renewable energies?
Unlike non-renewable sources, these forms of energy exploit natural resources in a sustainable way. These energy sources do not cause pollution and do not run out. This is possible, since they are able to regenerate themselves over time.
They certainly represent the energy of the future as they are:
- clean;
- accessible to all;
- economical;
- respecting nature.
What are the investment risks in renewable energy
Now we come to what you are probably interested in knowing if you are thinking of investing in this sector.
Like any investment, renewable energy also presents risks. And in this regard, a portfolio diversification plan is always advisable.
Based on your financial objectives, it is in fact possible and advisable to invest in different assets. It may be interesting to consider investing in real estate, or diversification through ETFs.
Sustainable energy, compared to fossil fuels, has some significant disadvantages, such as:
- High costs. Often, energy produced from renewable sources can be more expensive than fossil fuels such as natural gas. This may represent a limitation considering large-scale adoption;
- Fluctuations in energy sources. Earlier we saw the different types of renewable energy and they all have one point in common: they are not constant. In fact, the sun doesn’t shine all day and the wind doesn’t always blow at the same speed. This intermittency phenomenon represents a challenge in providing constant energy production;
- Fluctuations in fossil fuel prices. If prices of fossil fuels, such as oil and gas, fall, there may be a reduction in demand for energy from renewable sources;
- Stock price volatility. Volatility in this sector can be greater than in other industries. This makes investments in renewable energy potentially riskier.
Why invest in renewable energy
The global renewable energy industry has attracted the attention of many investors around the world. But why all this interest? What are the reasons?
To answer these questions, let’s now look at the most common reasons for investing in renewable energy:
- Economic incentives. The European government, together with all governments and organizations, have introduced a series of incentives to promote the development of renewable energy. Including: Tax deductions and reliefs for new installations of systems that favor renewable energy;
- Obligations of states and companies. Investments in renewable energy are also driven by the obligations imposed on various states and companies. In fact, they must achieve predefined objectives of energy production from renewable sources. These obligations represent a strong motivation for those who wish to invest in this market;
- Diversification of the investment portfolio. Investing in renewable energy also offers an opportunity to diversify the investment portfolio. As we have seen, renewable energy is a constantly evolving market. Therefore, investing in companies operating in the renewable energy sector can offer protection against fluctuations in traditional financial markets. All of this can also provide an attractive potential return.
Renewable energy, a promising investment
In conclusion, renewable energy represents one of the most promising investment opportunities of our time. With growing awareness of environmental impact, renewable energy sources are gaining ground rapidly.
Investing in renewable energy offers numerous benefits, including:
- exposure to a rapidly growing sector;
- the opportunity to participate in technological innovation;
- the support of environmental and socially responsible investments.
However, it is important to carefully evaluate the risks and opportunities, including potential obstacles such as:
- the intermittency of renewable sources;
- price fluctuations.
Diversifying your investment portfolio and gaining in-depth industry knowledge can help mitigate risks and maximize returns.
Ultimately, investing in renewable energy also helps create a sustainable future for generations to come. It is a way to combine economic interests with environmental responsibility, creating value both for investors and for society as a whole.
Read also: The two renewable sources that will provide more than a third of all global energy
