Solar Cell and Wind Energy Replacement of Power Plants Globally

Analysis of atmospheric CO₂ concentrations, global mean surface temperatures, and a “Goldilocks” planet model that is neither too hot nor cold identifies how civilization could continue thriving beyond 2050-2080 (or earlier). It starts with the replacement of one of the largest current sources of atmospheric CO₂, fossil-fueled power plants, using solar cells and wind energy in an economic and timely manner. The reasons this is technically feasible, as soon as 2028, are reviewed, limited primarily now by global public policies. The major remaining technical challenges mainly involve accommodations of the daily and seasonal variability of solar cell and wind energy.