Renewable Energy for the Development of Informal Settlements into a Sustainable Urban Environment

Abstract

Climate change represents one of the most significant challenges of the 21st century. The most severe impacts of climate change can still be avoided if efforts are made to transition current energy systems to clean, renewable energy. Renewable energy systems have great potential to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels, thereby mitigating the effects of climate change. The demand for energy and related services is increasing to keep pace with social and economic development, improving people’s well-being and health, and meeting their basic needs. Consequently, the global consumption of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas) has increased, dominating the energy supply and leading to a rapid rise in carbon dioxide emissions and environmental pollution [2]. The increased energy consumption has also resulted in a global issue of dwindling traditional energy resources, as reliance on these sources grows across various sectors [3]. In light of Egypt’s initiative to establish urban communities with small buildings, self-sufficient facilities, and future-oriented planning to address the widespread phenomenon of informal settlements in most Egyptian cities by demolishing these areas and rebuilding them as affordable, small residential units, the focus on solving the issue of informal settlements solely from an urban development perspective is limited in achieving environmental sustainability for these areas.

This necessitates thinking outside the traditional frameworks and finding innovative solutions to address these crises by activating the role of renewable energy in achieving sustainable development. This would enhance energy production efficiency and protect the environment. Renewable energy sources, if implemented appropriately, can contribute to social, economic, and environmental development by providing access to energy, ensuring a secure and sustainable energy supply, and reducing the negative environmental and human health impacts of energy provision.