77% of the world’s energy supply can be met by renewable sources by mid-century if supported by the right public policies.

This is according to research from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

The report also claims that by cutting greenhouse gases by a third could contribute towards holding the increase in global temperature below two degrees Celsius.

Professor Ottmar Edenhofer, Co-Chair of Working Group III said: “With consistent climate and energy policy support, renewable energy sources can contribute substantially to human well-being by sustainably supplying energy and stabilizing the climate. However, the substantial increase of renewables is technically and politically very challenging”

Over 160 scenarios on the potentials of six renewable energy technologies were reviewed by global experts and scientists.

The 77% figure is the most optimistic of four in-depth scenarios examined.

Ramon Pichs, Co-Chair of the Working Group III, said: “The report shows that it is not the availability of the resource, but the public policies that will either expand or constrain renewable energy development over the coming decades.”