Global renewables: Pioneering the energy transition | DW Documentary

Urban areas, housing over half the global population, face an urgent need to transition to renewable, circular energy systems to combat climate change. Cities like Lancaster, California, and Oslo, Norway, demonstrate that aggressive policy shifts—such as streamlining solar permits and mandating zero-emission construction—can drive both environmental sustainability and economic growth. These models rely on sector coupling, where waste heat and excess energy are captured and repurposed across local industries. Beyond infrastructure, the transition depends on rapid technological innovation, including artificial photosynthesis and advanced battery recycling, to reduce reliance on scarce raw materials. By integrating these circular cycles into large-scale grids and international energy hubs, such as those planned in the North Sea, societies can achieve energy security while ensuring a sustainable future for the next generation.