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The question can be tricky if a holistic answer is to be expected. Reason being that the specific type of renewable energy should be comprehensively detailed in order to be able to come with terms to determine accurately an idea of the quantum required for Spaces, Quantity and Time.
In retrospect for example and with special emphasis on Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plants, a required land space of approximately say 4 or 5 acres of land for the design of AD infrastructure hardware comprising of the following: Feeding bunkers for entry level MSW waste shredding and screening, Pre-treatment options for twin Bio-reactor tanks, Sedimentation tanks as well twin mills and pasteurization tanks is a must. Double membrane tanks as well as gas-flare options for required standard safety requirements, Scrubbing technologies for Hydrogen Sulphide, control system for ensuring appropriate organic digestible materials and accurate gas yields, dewatering for irrigation use and final digestate post treatment after calculated HRT period after safe pathogenic confirmation checks.
With specifics outlined above for AD plants, input daily feedstock quantities is likely to be in the range of 100-110 tons per day (tpd) for a successful realization of electric power generation of a steady 1 Mega Watt of sustainable electricity which can run the AD plant itself with HRT of approx 30 days on the average depending on environmental ambient temperature.
In contrast, the difference is completely noted if other forms of renewable energy production for example Wind energy or Solar is used to produce the same quantum of energy because of the completely differing methodology that is adopted.
That is exactly the tricky part of the question initially noted. Therefore it must be specific to the type of renewable energy model being considered for use.
From a broad perspective, it is also true that it is a mathematically provable fact that you cannot replace oil, coal and natural gas with windmills, solar panels and biofuels. Also renewable energy schemes other than hydroelectric and geothermal power are resource hogs that take up huge amounts of space while providing very little usable energy in return.
Space and time are the primary requirement to expand the contribution of renewable energy in to the grid. The energy that can be generated per unit area is very less compared to thermal, hydro and nuclear power plants.
