There are several countries that are leading the way in renewable energy. France and Germany are two of the most prominent examples. China is the world's largest emitter of carbon, but is also a leading country in renewable energy. India and Morocco are also leading the charge. The United States, however, is still far behind.
France and Germany are top two countries for renewable energy.
Germany and France are the top two countries in terms of renewable energy. Their energy mixes have grown steadily over the past decades. France is a net importer of electricity and generated 75 percent in its electricity from renewable sources in 2010. Its annual exports of electricity total over three billion euros. France is also the leader in nuclear power, contributing more then half of 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 urged citizens to reduce their carbon emissions. The goal is to be completely fossil-fuel-free in 2020. It's not an easy task, but Germany must ensure that its emissions are below a certain level.
China is the world's biggest carbon emitter
The rapid development of China's economy has pushed hundreds of millions of people out of poverty, but China is also the world's biggest carbon emitter, accounting for one third of global CO2 emissions and providing more than half the world's cement and steel. China is projected in 2030 to emit 16 million tonnes of greenhouse gases. This is four times the number it produced 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. China has pledged to produce a third of its energy using renewable sources by 2025. However, it remains heavily dependent upon coal and other nonrenewable sources of energy. Its energy choices will determine the trajectory of future emissions. They will also help achieve its carbon neutrality goal for 2060. This will protect the global climate.
India is a country that has the most renewable energy.
India is the fastest-growing country in terms of its renewable energy potential. India's non-fossil energy consumption has increased by more that 25% in the last seven years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India's capacity for renewable energy would more than double by 2021. The country's energy demand is expected grow to 817 gigawatts by 2030. The majority of this growth will be driven by the real-estate and transport sectors. The sector will see more growth as a result of increased foreign investment in renewable 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. India's overall energy mix remains dominated by traditional thermal energy. However its increasing use of renewables is expected 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. 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 create new opportunities for the country and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.
Morocco is one nation that is trying to address climate change with renewable energy projects. Its current energy strategy involves the construction of 20 concentrated sunlight power plants. It is also eliminating subsidies for fossil fuels. Renewables account for nearly two-thirds, or a third, of the country’s total energy resources.
Morocco is one of those countries that are rushing to build clean energy infrastructure
Morocco is a country that is striving to build clean energy infrastructure. Even though Morocco's economy relies heavily on tourism, the government is now looking for other industries to boost its growth. While the economy is dominated by agriculture, which employs approximately 45% of the workforce, it accounts for only 12%. Other industries such as manufacturing, mining, and textile production are also flourishing. These sectors have energy costs between 3%-30%, making them important in industrial investment decisions.
The government's goal for renewable energy production is to produce 4TWh annually by 2030. This would be sufficient to supply the domestic market as well as a growing international market. In addition to supporting the creation more than 15,000 jobs, the country also invests in renewable infrastructure and projects. 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. Morocco has been a leader in renewable energy for the past ten years thanks to several large-scale renewable energy projects.