Many countries are pioneering renewable energy. France and Germany are the two leading examples. China is the world's biggest carbon emitter, but it is also a major country in renewable energies. India and Morocco are other countries that are leading this trend. The United States is far behind.
Germany and France are the top two countries by renewable energy
France and Germany are top two countries when it comes to renewable energy. Their energy mixes have grown steadily over the past decades. France, which generates 75 percent of its electricity via renewable energy in 2010, is a net electricity exporter, earning more than three billion euro per year. France is the world's leader in nuclear power production and contributes more than half its electricity.
While the country has made great strides towards its renewable energy goal, it is still 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. This is not an easy task, but it is essential for Germany to keep the country's emissions below a certain level.
China is the world's largest carbon emitter
China's rapid economic growth has helped hundreds of millions of people escape poverty. But, China is the biggest carbon emitter in the entire world. China accounts for one-third of global CO2 emissions, and provides more than half of the steel and cement worldwide. In 2030, China is projected to emit 16 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases, more than four times what it did in 1800. We'll be facing a serious global climate crisis if this trend continues.
Fortunately, China is reducing its dependence on fossil fuels. It has committed to generate a third of its energy from renewable sources by 2025. However, it remains heavily dependent upon coal and other nonrenewable sources of energy. Its energy choices play a crucial role in determining the future trajectory of emissions and achieving its goal of carbon neutrality by 2060.
India is a leader in renewable energy.
In terms of renewable energy capacity, India is one of the fastest growing countries in the world. Its non-fossil oil fuel energy has increased 25% in the past seven year. According to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country's renewable energy capacity will more than double by 2021. By 2030, the country's power consumption is expected to rise to 817GW. Most of that growth is expected to be in the real estate sector and the transport sector. This sector is expected to see further growth due to increased foreign investment in renewable energy projects.
India is currently fourth in renewable energy production, with 147 gigawatts. This is significant due to India's large landmass that covers more than 3 million square kilometers. India's energy mix is still heavily dominated by thermal energy. But, India's growing use of renewables will change this.
Morocco is one of those countries that are affected by climate changes
Morocco is already feeling the effects of climate change, with mean annual temperatures expected to rise between 1.1C and 3.5C by the year 2060. This is nearly double the global growth. The country has already implemented a number of green policy to protect its natural resources, make farming more resilient and adapt to the impact of climate change. These policies are creating new opportunities and reducing the country's dependence on fossil fuels.
Morocco is one nation that is trying to address climate change with renewable energy projects. It currently has 20 concentrated sun power plants. It is also eliminating fossil fuel subsidies. Nearly two-thirds (or more) of the country's total energy production can now be attributed to renewable sources.
Morocco is one of the countries that is racing to build clean energy 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. Although its economy is based largely on tourism, the Moroccan government is increasingly looking to other industries for growth. 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 has set a goal to produce 4 trillion watts of renewable energy per year by 2030. This will be enough to supply both the domestic and growing international markets. The country is also investing in renewable infrastructure projects and creating more than 15,000 new jobs. Morocco has a huge renewable energy potential. The country has placed great emphasis on diversifying its energy mix, protecting our environment and decreasing dependence on foreign 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.