Power Systems Transformation: Delivering Competitive, Resilient Electricity in High-Renewable Systems

Publication

Produced by the Energy Transitions Commission (ETC), this report demonstrates how wind and solar-dominant power systems can be competitive, reliable, and technically and economically feasible.

Illustration of forms of power generation

Last updated: July 2025

Electricity is projected to provide up to 70% of global final energy consumption in a decarbonised energy system, growing from around 20% today. Total global electricity demand could potentially triple, reaching 90,000 TWh by 2050 compared to 30,000 TWh today, and be met with new generation predominantly from wind and solar.

This report from the Energy Transitions Commission (ETC) analyses how electricity systems will need to adjust to accommodate this rising demand and high share of energy from wind and solar, exploring the challenges of system balancing and grid expansion, long- and short-term cost implications, and the key enablers for cost-effective power system development.

It shows that many countries can operate power systems with 70% or more electricity from wind and solar using proven technologies available today, like batteries, other energy storage, long-distance transmission, and flexible energy use.

Arup specialists contributed to the report. It draws from, among others sources, Arup’s Hydrogen Production from Thermal Electricity Constraint Management report, which was commissioned by National Grid Electricity System Operator and National Gas Transmission, as part of their Network Innovation Allowance funding.