A study based on a data-driven technology and economics model has found that solar photovoltaics (PV) is likely to become the dominant energy source by 2050 – even without the support of more ambitious climate policies. But it warns that four “barriers” could stand in the way: creating stable energy grids, financing solar power in developing economies, supply chain capacity and political resistance from regions that are losing jobs. The researchers say policies to address these barriers could be more effective than pricing instruments such as carbon taxes in accelerating the clean energy transition. The study, led by the University of Exeter and University College London, is part of the Economics of Energy Innovation and System Transition (EEIST) project. (University of Exeter)