The current global energy crisis has developed into a crucial issue affecting the world economy, environment and politics. Various factors contributed to this crisis, including climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent developments show that countries around the world are increasingly focused on the transition to renewable energy, but significant challenges remain. One of the main developments is increased investment in renewable energy. Many countries are reporting a surge in investment in solar and wind, with major companies embracing the new technology for greater efficiency. According to an International Energy Agency (IEA) report, global investment in renewable energy in 2022 will almost double compared to the previous year, driven by government incentives and consumer awareness. In addition, energy storage technology is also showing rapid progress. Lithium-ion batteries are becoming increasingly affordable and efficient, enabling the integration of more renewable energy sources into the grid. Battery production in countries such as China and the US is entering a new phase with production capacity increasing significantly, offering a solution to the intermittency problem often faced by renewable energy. On the other hand, geopolitical tensions, especially those related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, caused a spike in global energy prices. Europe, which is heavily dependent on Russian natural gas, is forced to look for alternatives, accelerating the transition to renewable energy and introducing policies to reduce consumption of fossil energy. European countries, including Germany and France, have increased budgets for renewable energy development and accelerated infrastructure projects. Additionally, governments around the world are increasingly introducing emissions reduction policies to achieve climate targets. The United States, for example, is investing in green infrastructure projects through recent climate change legislation. Nepal is also introducing large-scale hydroelectric projects in an effort to increase energy security. However, despite progress, challenges remain. Fluctuations in the price of raw materials for renewable energy technologies, such as silicon and lithium, create obstacles to the rapid development of this industry. In addition, the issue of social licensing and the environmental impact of new energy projects often triggers protests and debate. In this context, the involvement of local communities in energy project planning becomes increasingly important to ensure public support. Models of utilizing renewable resources, such as self-sufficient energy communities, are starting to be introduced in several countries, providing examples of how communities can play an active role in the energy transition. All this shows that the global energy crisis is not only a challenge, but also an opportunity for innovation and growth in the clean energy sector. With more and more countries committing to renewable energy, the future of the energy industry looks more sustainable although the road to a full energy transition is full of obstacles that need to be overcome collectively.
