Introduction
For Post #78 we asked our reporters to provide a description, supported with data, on the amount of energy provided by renewables (wind, solar, biomass) versus that provided by fossil fuels. The description includes trend lines in renewables versus fossil fuel use that have taken place over the last 10 years and that are expected to take place over the next 10 years. We also asked for an analysis of what has happened to affect the current status of these trend lines, and for 2-3 recommendations of the policies/activities that need to happen in order for renewables to achieve a greater share of the energy market.
The table below provides a summary of the leading point in each Country Report. Complete Country Reports are provided below.
Renewable Versus Fossil Fuel Country Highlight
| Country | Effects of Extreme Heat |
| Australia |
|
| Brazil |
|
| Canada |
|
| China |
|
| European Union |
|
| France |
|
| Germany |
|
| India |
|
| Indonesia |
|
| Italy |
|
| Japan |
|
| Mexico |
|
| Nigeria |
|
| Saudi Arabia |
|
| South Africa |
|
| Spain |
|
| Turkey |
|
| United Kingdom |
|
| United States |
|
Country Reports
Australia Lags Behind Other Nations in the Percentage of Domestic Energy Consumption Provided by Renewables
Australia has long been known for its dependency on fossil fuel-produced energy, as well as its role as one of the world’s largest fossil fuel exporters, despite skyrocketing energy prices for domestic customers. Although the left-leaning Labor Federal Government has committed to accelerating the energy transition and has legislated a net zero emissions target, it…
Renewable Energy plays a Significant Role in Brazil’s Energy Mix
Current situation: Renewable energies have played a significant role in Brazil’s energy matrix. According to recent data, the share of renewable sources in the Brazilian electricity generation matrix is approximately 85%. The primary renewable sources include hydroelectric power, which has historically been dominant, as well as wind and solar power.Trends in the Last 10 Years:…
82% of Canada’s Electricity Came from Non-Greenhouse Gas Emissions Emitting Sources in 2022
82% of Canada’s electricity came from non-greenhouse gas emissions emitting sources in 2022 – hydro 60%, nuclear 14%, and other renewables 8% Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan) Energy Fact Book 2023–2024 shows Canada’s energy production/imports/exports in 2021 generated 24,726 petajoules as follows: N Gas Hydro Coal Other RE N Gas liquids Crude Oil Uranium Total 28%…
From Coal to the Reign of Renewables: China’s Ascent to World Leader in Renewable Energy Technology and Use
Much has been lamented about China’s constant increase in coal capacities to ensure its energy security in recent years. At the same time, headlines proclaiming China’s world market leadership in wind and solar energy equally abound.Indeed, looking at the numbers, both are true. While coal capacities have increased over the past ten years, the overall…
Renewable Energy Usage-Growing in the EU but Could be Improved Through Improvement of Land and Supply Chain Policies
For the first time in 2022, the amount of energy generated by wind and solar overtook the amount generated by gas and nuclear power. Image Courtesy of: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/01/renewable-energy-electricity-record-europe/According to the European Environmental Agency (EEA), 22.8% of energy consumed in the EU in 2022 was generated from wind and solar power, and renewables overtook the amount…
Fossil Fuels in France are Set to Decline to 5% of All Energy Over the Next Decade
France’s energy mix comprises 67.1% nuclear, 20% renewable, 10% fossil fuels, and 3% others.Over the past decade, France has seen a significant shift towards renewable energies. The share of renewable energy has doubled from 10% in 2012 to 20% in 2022, while the share of fossil fuels has declined from 15% in 2012 to 10%…
Renewable Energy Provided More than 65% of Germany’s Net Electricity Generation in 2023
Germany’s energy landscape has undergone significant transformation over the past decade, with renewables increasingly supplanting fossil fuels in the energy mix, especially when considering electricity generation. Although the statistics may vary depending on the source, one can see in the below graph (from the UBA Umweltbundesamt, the main German environmental protection agency) that as of…
India’s Installed Renewable Energy Capacity has Increased by 165 Percent Over the Past Decade
from 76.38 Gigawatts (GW) in 2014 to 203.1 GW in 2024 India’s total energy consumption per capita reached 0.8 toe, half of the Asian average, with electricity consumption per capita reaching 985 kWh in 2023. Total energy consumption has also continued to grow significantly (6.5 percent year on year since 2020, of which 5 percent…
The Energy Landscape in Indonesia: A Decade of Change and Future Prospects
Indonesia’s energy landscape has long been dominated by fossil fuels, primarily coal, oil, and natural gas. However, in the last decade, policy initiatives, technological advancements, and increasing environmental awareness have gradually shifted the focus towards renewable energy sources.Current Energy Mix: Fossil Fuels vs. Renewables Fossil fuels constituted 84.41% of Indonesia’s total energy supply (TES)…
Renewable Energy Share in Italy is Expected to Continue its Upward Trajectory and Fossil Fuel Use is Expected to Decline Further
Italy has significantly transformed its energy landscape over the past decade. The shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and biomass is evident, reflecting national policies and broader European Union directives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable energy. Current Energy Mix As of the latest data, Italy’s energy production…
Reliance on Fossil Fuels Remains High in Japan, Raising Questions About the Effectiveness of Present Strategies in Achieving Meaningful Energy Transition
Japan, a leading industrial powerhouse, is significantly transforming its energy landscape. It is moving away from its long-standing reliance on fossil fuels, which historically constitute approximately 77% of Japan’s energy supply. However, the country strives to enhance sustainability and energy security while reducing carbon emissions. As of 2022, fossil fuels comprised 72.4% of Japan’s entire…
Despite the Growth in Renewables, Fossil Fuels will Likely Remain a Significant Part of Mexico’s Energy Mix
Primarily due to existing infrastructure and the continued exploitation of natural gas resourcesOver the past decade, Mexico has tried diversifying its energy mix, increasingly integrating renewable sources like wind, solar, and biomass. However, the country’s energy sector relies heavily on fossil fuels, including oil, natural gas, and coal. This dependence presents challenges and opportunities as…
Nigeria has Made Impressive Strides in Increasing its Renewable Energy Capacity Over the Past Decade
For years, fossil fuels have been the lifeblood of Nigeria’s energy sector, with petroleum and natural gas serving as the cornerstone of the country’s energy supply. However, after decades of dependence on these finite resources, the country is gradually transitioning towards a cleaner energy paradigm. Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and biomass are gaining…
Saudi Arabia Needs to Rapidly Increase the Pace of Renewable Energy Deployment to Meet its Ambitious 2030 Targets
Saudi Arabia continues to source almost all of its energy needs from fossil fuels (99.9%), and the implementation of ambitious renewable energy targets has been slow, as less than 0.1% of energy comes from renewables. In 2020, oil accounted for 62% of energy consumption and natural gas 38%. Saudi Arabia’s increasing electricity demand was predominantly…
Fossil Fuels Still Dominate South Africa’s Energy Mix
South Africa is one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases. Its emitting effect accounts for about 40% of the continent’s total emissions. South Africa is the most carbon-intensive developing country in the world, generating about 0.6kg of carbon dioxide per dollar of GDP. South Africa’s response to climate is to promote programs that lead…
Spain is One of the World’s 15 Largest Clean Energy Consumers But Due to Storage Challenges, Renewable Energy Still Constitutes Only 22% of Spain’s Total Energy Consumption
The energy sector is one of the most significant contributors to greenhouse gas generation, making using renewable resources in energy production essential to advancing the fight against climate change. However, renewables reduce atmospheric emissions and decrease energy dependence, ensuring a local and secure supply. Therefore, it is unsurprising that Spain has strengthened its position in…
Turkey’s Energy Production Methods Depends on Over 85 Percent of Fossil Fuels
Turkey has come a long way since the 1990s, from mostly dependent on fossil fuels to producing more renewable energy. Turkey’s energy production methods are similar to those of comparable countries in the world, with a dependence of over 85 percent on fossil fuels. In 2019, Turkey’s primary energy supply was around 30 percent oil,…
The UK’s “Net Zero Strategy” Aims to Achieve Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions Across the British Economy by 2050
The average percentage of the UK’s energy from renewables increased from 10.7% in 2014 to 40.6% in 2024, while the percentage of the UK’s energy from fossil fuels declined. Energy is the backbone of the UK’s economy; sectors relying on energy include industrial, residential, transportation, agriculture, commercial, services, and others. Energy sources to supply these…
Nearly 84% of the United States’ Energy Production Came from Fossil Fuels in 2023
Environment America’s October 2023 report shows that renewable energy is rising in the United States. Since 2013, the amount of solar energy in the United States has grown nearly twelvefold, while wind energy has increased 2.6fold. The United States’ reliance on renewable energy has grown from 5% to 17% in the past ten years. Despite…