5 Countries Leading the Way with Renewable Energy | So Energy

We're taking a trip around the world to explore how different countries are making waves by utilising renewable energy sources. From Germany's Energy Transition to China's Clean Energy Transformation, these nations are setting the stage for a sustainable future. If you’re already clued up on all things renewable, you can invest in solar by getting a quote here.

Renewable Energy in Germany

Energiewende: Germany's Energy Transition

Germany's Energiewende, or Energy Transition, is a bold initiative to shift to a low-carbon, nuclear-free economy. This transformation aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy efficiency, and embrace sustainable practices for a cleaner, greener future. Germany aims to become greenhouse gas neutral by 2045. With this, they have set targets of cutting emissions by at least 65% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, and 88% by 2040. It’s bold, and that’s exactly the kind of thinking needed to make a change!

Key Policies and Initiatives

Key policies and initiatives in Germany support renewable energy growth, such as feed-in tariffs and the Renewable Energy Sources Act. These measures incentivise the adoption of solar, wind, and other renewable technologies, leading the country towards a more sustainable energy landscape.

Leading the Way: China’s Clean Energy Transformation

Ambitious Green Targets

China has set ambitious green targets to combat climate change and transition towards a low-carbon economy. With a focus on renewable energy expansion, the country is working towards increasing its share of clean energy sources in the energy mix, and their emissions are set to continue falling in 2024. This spells good news considering China continues to experience problems with extreme pollution becoming a problem in major cities.

Advancements in EV

China's advancements in electric vehicles (EVs) are a critical part of its clean energy transformation. The rapid growth of EV adoption and infrastructure development underscores the country's commitment to reducing carbon emissions from transportation. This year, tech giant Xiaomi announced they would begin shipping their own EVs, planning to invest £7.8bn for its EV move over the next 10 years.

The Nordic Model: Sweden’s Sustainable Energy Practices

Sustainable Cities and Urban Planning

Sweden's sustainable energy practices extend to its cities and urban planning. With a focus on energy efficiency, green spaces, and public transportation, Swedish cities are leading the way in creating sustainable urban environments for residents. Being the seventh richest country in the world by GDP, Sweden has been able to to greatly invest in sustainability.

A great example is Gothenburg, which has ranked highly in the Global Destination Sustainability Index over the last few years. They’ve firmly committed to their vision of carbon neutrality by 2030. This is being driven by their Green Zone policy, where fully climate-neutral and zero-emissions transportation systems will be implemented.

Hydropower

Hydropower plays a significant role in Sweden's renewable energy portfolio. The country's abundant water resources make hydropower a reliable and clean energy source, contributing to its sustainable energy practices.

The Success of Denmark’s Wind Energy Sector

Wind Turbine Innovation

Denmark's wind energy sector is a shining example of innovation and efficiency. The country's focus on wind turbine technology and offshore wind farms has positioned it as a global leader in wind energy production. Between 2010 and 2022, Denmark’s focus on wind increased by 60%, with them investing in offshore wind infrastructure.

Embracing the Sun: Solar Energy in the US

Solar Power Growth

The US has seen significant growth in solar energy adoption in recent years. The expansion of solar installations, both residential and commercial, reflects the country's increasing reliance on solar energy as a clean and sustainable source of energy. To meet climate goals, The Bureau of Land Management has suggested using 22 million acres of land for solar projects, to aid in transitioning away from fossil fuel reliance.

Federal and State Incentives

Federal and state incentives play a crucial role in promoting solar energy growth in the US. Programs such as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and net metering provide financial incentives for individuals and businesses to invest in solar energy systems, making it more accessible and affordable.

These five countries are at the forefront of renewable energy, showcasing how a commitment to sustainability can drive innovation, economic growth, and a greener planet for future generations. With climate targets looming, more and more countries will need to adopt more sustainable energy strategies to lower their carbon emissions over the next few years.

Frequently asked questions

What country is leading the way in renewable energy?
China is leading the way in renewable energy, hosting nearly half of the world's total operating wind and solar capacity.

Which country uses renewable energy the most?
Iceland comes out top when it comes to renewable energy in the world, with 86.87% of its energy coming from renewable sources.

Which country has the highest renewable energy sources?
In terms of renewable energy sources, China has the highest renewable electricity production, accounting for 31% of global renewable electricity.