Spain making strides towards renewable energy, yet remains not fully sustainable: Nations entirely powered by renewable resources
Renewable energies, such as wind, solar, and hydro, are inexhaustible, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional energy sources like petroleum, gas, and coal. This transition is not just a choice, but a necessity due to climate change, as much of climate change is attributed to human use of fossil fuels.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) is focusing on the ten countries leading the transition to variable renewable energies. However, the specific countries advancing fastest towards generating more than two-thirds of their electricity from renewable sources, as of the first nine months of 2024, are not explicitly listed. Nevertheless, China leads globally in solar capacity with over 1 TW installed and produced about 55-60% of the worldwide new solar capacity in 2024. Germany, a key European leader in wind energy expansion, also reflects strong renewable growth.
Seven countries are considered 100% renewable or close to it: Norway, New Zealand, Iceland, Costa Rica, Kenya, Butan, and Paraguay. Among these, Denmark is making significant strides, with 72% of its electricity coming from wind and sun in the first nine months of 2024, and projected to achieve 100% renewable energy by the end of the decade.
Spain, along with other European countries, is working towards a renewable energy-dominated energy mix, but it will require significant investments in battery storage, transmission infrastructure, and demand management programs. Portugal is another European country advancing towards this goal, aiming to reach 90% renewable electricity by 2030.
The situation becomes more complex for other geographical points due to the lack of abundant hydropower or geothermal resources. The missing link in renewables, as noticed by Spain, Europe, and the world, is the need for robust systems to manage and balance a renewable energy-dominated electrical system.
The IEA predicts that renewables will account for almost half of global electricity production by 2030, up from the current 30%. The United Nations considers it an opportune moment for renewable energies, as turning to renewables to meet energy needs could significantly decrease consumption and help combat climate change.
Ten more countries are working on producing more than two-thirds of their electricity from renewable sources. The key to reaching 100% renewable energy for these countries is their abundant resources and small population or surface area. The transition to renewable energy involves building an electrical system capable of managing and balancing a new clean energy era.
In conclusion, the global shift towards renewable energy is underway, with countries like Denmark leading the way. However, challenges remain, particularly in managing and balancing a renewable energy-dominated electrical system. The IEA's focus on the ten leading countries in the transition to variable renewable energies, and the UN's support for renewable energy, indicate a promising future for renewable energy.
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