review · Journal of Asian Energy Studies
A systematic review of literature published from 2014 onwards examines the multifaceted barriers to adopting and integrating renewable energy across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Technical challenges include intermittency, along with the requirement for scalable energy storage, smart grids, and accurate forecasting tools. Economically, adoption is restricted by high upfront capital costs, socio-economic disparities, and insufficient financing mechanisms. Socially, cultural resistance, aesthetic worries, and minimal public engagement impede wider acceptance. Environmental concerns centre on lifecycle impacts and biodiversity risks, while governance suffers from policy fragmentation. Overcoming these interconnected issues requires targeted interventions, such as artificial intelligence-driven forecasting models, hybrid energy storage systems, inclusive financing options, and harmonised policy frameworks to support a global transition to sustainable and equitable energy systems.
Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting the environment, and securing future energy supplies. Identifying the precise obstacles spanning technology, economics, public opinion, and regulation enables governments, researchers, and project developers to design effective interventions that ensure clean energy becomes accessible, reliable, and equitable worldwide.
The review identifies clear opportunities for developing targeted technological and financial products, notably artificial intelligence-based forecasting software, hybrid energy storage systems, and inclusive financing mechanisms. Primary users would include grid operators, renewable energy developers, and financial institutions. Because this is a broad literature review synthesising existing studies rather than testing a specific prototype, these commercial applications remain at an early, conceptual stage within the scope of this work.
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Renewable energy presents a sustainable substitute to fossil fuels, offering potential for reduced greenhouse gas emissions, enhanced energy security, and environmental sustainability. This review analyzes the technical, economic, social, environmental, and policy barriers hindering renewable energy adoption. Challenges such as intermittency, high initial costs, socio-cultural resistance, and regulatory fragmentation are explored alongside region-specific barriers in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. A systematic review of literature sourced from Science Direct, Academia, and Google Scholar was conducted, focusing on publications addressing thematic and regional perspectives from 2014 onward. The findings reveal a complex interplay of barriers across these domains. Technical challenges include the need for more accurate forecasting tools, scalable energy storage systems, and smart grid infrastructure. Economic constraints stem from high capital costs, insufficient financial mechanisms, and socio-economic disparities. Social acceptance is hindered by cultural resistance, aesthetic concerns, and lack of public engagement. Environmental barriers involve lifecycle impacts and biodiversity concerns, while policy fragmentation and inadequate governance frameworks impede progress. Addressing these gaps requires targeted solutions, such as AI-driven forecasting systems, hybrid energy storage technologies, inclusive financing mechanisms, and harmonized policy frameworks. By tackling these challenges, stakeholders can facilitate a global transition to renewable energy, ensuring a sustainable and equitable energy future. This review highlights critical areas for research and practical intervention, providing a roadmap for overcoming the barriers to renewable energy adoption.
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DOI: 10.24112/jaes.090002
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