Renewable energy strategies for achieving net zero

The increasing risk of climate change has further strengthened global initiatives to achieve net-zero carbon emissions through a strategic transition away from fossil-fuel-based systems toward sustainable ones. This chapter critically evaluates renewable energy strategies based on policy integration, technology push, economic instruments, and stakeholder engagement, to enable the transition. The study aims to identify the conditions that favour successful deployment, analyse infrastructure requirements, and develop an overall framework for achieving net-zero goals. The research employs a multidisciplinary approach that combines techno-economic analysis, policy analysis, and strategic planning models. Empirical evidence shows that countries that invested over 3% of their gross domestic product in renewable infrastructure achieved grid decarbonization at a 22% higher transition rate. The application of integrated energy-storage systems enhanced grid stability by 30% and reduced curtailment by 17%. Public-private partnership-based implementation projects finished financing 30% earlier and reported an 8–15% ROI, depending on the technology. Additionally, nations that adopt smart grid and predictive maintenance technologies reduce downtime by up to 35%. This chapter is innovative for synthesising socio-political, economic, and technological factors within a single analytic framework, addressing gaps left by previous literature that focuses on independent dimensions. The solutions presented are adaptable both geographically and developmentally, serving as a practical guide for different stakeholders. The outcomes provide actionable insights for designing scalable, resilient renewable energy systems in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Future applications include optimising hybrid energy systems, enhancing AI-driven decentralised grid efficiency and establishing region-specific transition models. The value of this work lies in converting strategic visions into measurable avenues towards achieving a net-zero sustainable future worldwide.