Abu Dhabi: The world’ current models of conventional energy generation and distribution are more expensive and less sustainable than modern energy solutions, a high level panel of energy experts said in the capital on Tuesday.

A reduction in renewable energy technology costs, and the emergence of new models of generation and delivery, therefore call for decentralised solutions to provide energy access for all, they said.

The panel met on the first day of the sixth World Future Energy Summit, which kicked off in the capital on Tuesday.

“The reality is right in our face that we must change existing energy systems, uses and generation networks [to provide energy access] to reach 9 billion people by 2015,” said Kandeh Yumkella, director general of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation.

There is much scepticism among many that such an energy revolution, which provides access to all while also reducing carbon emissions, can occur.

“But [energy experts have pointed out] that between the 1920s and the 1970s, oil replaced coal as the dominant energy source,” Yumkella added.

According to Robert Ichord, deputy assistant secretary for energy transformation in the United States, off-grid and mini-grid solutions are economically viable to reach rural populations.

“Oil, gas and other fossil fuels were the cheapest options for [until we realised] that energy affordability does not include just drilling, transportation and other production costs, but also pollution costs and climate change that need to be addressed,” said Achim Steiner, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme.

The technology to promote such an energy revolution is now being developed very rapidly.

“In just 10 years, renewable energy has grown to provide one-fifth of the world’s energy. In Germany today, there are currently 24,000 wind power generators. If you replace all of these with 28,000 of the largest wind turbines, Germany can generate all of its energy needs,” the UNEP official said.

Officials said that the world is therefore witnessing a shift in the economics of energy.

“We can achieve energy access for all [with newer energy models], especially as the models of yesterday were not the best in providing access to the energy-poor,” Steiner said.

Recent studies by the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) have also shown that in all remote locations in developing countries in Africa and island states, off-grid renewable energy options are cheaper than conventionally-generated energies, the agency’s director general, Adnan Z Ameen said.

In addition, the Irena’s new initiative, the REMAP 2030, will soon provide pathways for nations to reach their required energy reduction and renewable energy se targets, he added.