Many countries are pioneering renewable energy. France and Germany represent the leading countries in this area. China is not only the largest emitter of CO2, but also has the highest percentage of renewable energy. Other countries that are leading the way include India and Morocco. However, the United States is still far behind.
France and Germany are top two countries for renewable energy.
France and Germany are the two top countries for renewable energy. Their energy mixes have been growing steadily for decades. France was a net exporter in electricity, with over three billion euros annually. In 2010, France produced 75 percent of its electricity from renewable energy. France is also a leader in nuclear energy production, contributing more half of its electricity.
Although the country is making great strides towards achieving its renewable energy goal it is far from being carbon neutral. German government has asked citizens to reduce their carbon emission as much as possible with the goal of eliminating all fossil-fuel use by 2020. It is not an easy task but Germany must keep its emissions at a minimum.
China is the biggest carbon emitter on earth
China's rapid economic development has lifted many millions of people from poverty. China is the world’s largest carbon emitter. China accounts to one third of global CO2 emitted and supplies half of all world's steel, cement, and mortar. China is expected to produce 16 billion tonnes more greenhouse gases in 2030 than it did in 1800. We'll be facing a serious global climate crisis if this trend continues.
China is making efforts to reduce its dependency on fossil fuels. It has committed to generate a third of its energy from renewable sources by 2025. It remains heavily dependent on coal, and other non-renewable energies. Its energy choices are vital in deciding the trajectory of future emissions, achieving its carbon neutrality goal by 2060, and protecting the global climate.
India is a leading country by renewable energy
India is one the most rapidly growing countries when it comes to renewable energy. Its non-fossil oil fuel energy has increased 25% in the past seven year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India's renewable energy potential will increase by more than twofold by 2021. The country's power demand is expected to grow to 817 GW by 2030, with most of the increase coming from the real estate and transport sectors. This sector is expected to see further growth due to increased foreign investment in renewable energy projects.
India currently has a renewable energy capacity of 147 gigawatts. This makes it the fourth largest country in terms of renewable energy. This is significant, given India's vast landmass which covers more that 3.3 million km2. Although India's overall energy mix is still dominated by thermal energy, its growing use of renewables is anticipated to change this.
Morocco is one the countries most affected by climate warming
Morocco already feels the impact of climate change. Average annual temperatures are expected to rise between 1C and 3C by 2060. This is more than the projected global increase. This country already has a variety of green policies in place to protect its natural resource, improve agriculture's resilience, and adapt better to the climate change impacts. These policies are creating new opportunities and reducing the country's dependence on fossil fuels.
Morocco is one of many countries trying to reduce climate change by introducing solar energy projects. Its current energy strategy includes 20 concentrated solar power plants. It is also phasing down fossil fuel subsidies. Renewables now account for almost two-thirds of its total energy capacity.
Morocco is one of many countries that are trying to build clean electricity infrastructure.
Morocco is one of the countries that is racing toward clean energy infrastructure, and the government is taking a big step toward that end. While Morocco's economy is mainly based on tourism, it is looking at other industries to grow. Agriculture is the mainstay of the country's economy, accounting for around 12% of its GDP. But other industries, like mining, manufacturing, or textile production, are also in high demand. Energy costs in these sectors range between 3% and 30%, making them a huge factor in industrial investment decisions.
The government has set the goal of producing 4 TWh per year of renewable energy by 2030. This is enough to supply both the domestic market and an expanding international market. Through investment in renewable infrastructure, the country supports more than 15,000 job creation. Morocco's vast renewable energy potential is immense. Therefore, the country prioritized building a diversified mix of energy, protecting the environment, minimizing dependence on foreign sources, and minimising its dependence on imported energy. This has led to the development of several large renewable energy projects, and Morocco has become one of the international leaders in renewable energy in the last decade.