Renewable energy is a growing field and there are many countries leading the charge. France and Germany are leading examples. China is the largest carbon emitter in the world, and is also a leader in renewable energy. India and Morocco are two other countries leading the way. The United States, however, is still far behind.
France and Germany are the top two nations in renewable energy.
France and Germany are top two countries when it comes to renewable energy. Their energy blends have been increasing steadily for many 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 the world's leader in nuclear power production and contributes more than half its electricity.
Although the country has made huge strides towards its renewable power goal, it still isn't carbon-neutral. The German government has called on citizens to reduce their carbon emissions by as much as possible, with the goal of going completely fossil-fuel-free by 2020. Although this is not an easy task it is vital that Germany keeps its emissions under a certain limit.
China is the world's largest carbon emitter
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. This trend will continue, and we will see a major global climate crises.
Fortunately, China is reducing its dependence on fossil fuels. It has committed that it will generate a third from renewable energy by 2025. It still relies heavily on coal and non-renewable resources for its energy. Its energy choices can have an impact on future emissions and help it achieve its carbon neutrality target by 2060.
India is a world leader in renewable energy.
In terms of renewable energy capacity, India is one of the fastest growing countries in the world. In the last seven year, India's nonfossil fuel oil energy has grown by more than 25%. According to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country's renewable energy capacity will more than double 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. Rising foreign investment in renewable energy projects is expected to encourage further growth in this sector.
Currently, India's renewable energy capacity stands at 147 gigawatts, making it the fourth-largest country by renewable energy capacity. This is significant, given India's vast landmass which covers more that 3.3 million km2. India's energy mix still includes a lot of thermal energy. However, it is expected that India will increase its use of renewable energy.
Morocco is one of the countries that is affected by climate change
Morocco is already feeling the consequences of climate change. Mean annual temperatures will increase between 1.1C & 3.5C by 2060. This is nearly double the global growth. It has already taken a number green policies to help protect its natural resources and make agriculture more resilient to the effects of climate change. These policies offer new opportunities and help reduce the country's dependence upon fossil fuels.
Morocco is one of many countries trying to reduce climate change by introducing solar energy projects. Its current ambitious energy strategy includes the construction of 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 the countries that are racing to create clean energy infrastructure
Morocco is one of many countries working towards clean energy infrastructure. The government is making a significant step in that direction. Although Morocco's economy is heavily dependent on tourism it is increasing its focus on other industries. Agriculture, which employs 45% of the working population, accounts for 12% of its GDP, but other industries, including mining, manufacturing, and textile production, are also booming. These sectors are subject to energy costs ranging between 3% and 30 percent, which is a major factor in industrial investment decisions.
The government's goal is to produce 4 TWh of renewable energy annually by 2030, enough to supply the domestic market and a growing international market. Through investment in renewable infrastructure, the country supports more than 15,000 job creation. Morocco has an enormous potential for renewable energy. This country has made it a priority to diversify its energy mix and minimize dependence on foreign resources. Morocco is now a world leader in renewable energy, thanks to its large-scale projects.