- Albania, Bhutan, Nepal, Paraguay, Iceland, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo now generate over 99.7% of their electricity from geothermal, hydro, solar, or wind power.
- Data from the IEA and IRENA show that 40 countries produced at least 50% of their electricity from renewable sources in 2021 and 2022, with 11 countries in Europe.
- Advancements in solar technology, particularly with perovskite materials, indicate that solar energy is approaching an “irreversible tipping point” and is expected to become the world’s primary energy source by 2050.
Albania, Bhutan, Nepal, Paraguay, Iceland, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have achieved a milestone by generating over 99.7% of their electricity from geothermal, hydro, solar, or wind power. The Independent reported this significant shift towards renewable energy globally.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) show that 40 additional countries produced at least 50% of their electricity from renewable sources in 2021 and 2022. Of these, 11 are located in Europe.
Stanford University Professor Mark Jacobson analysed the data and emphasised the effectiveness of current technologies. “We don’t need miracle technologies,” Jacobson said. “We must stop emissions by electrifying everything and using Wind, Water, and Solar (WWS) technologies.” These technologies include onshore wind, solar photovoltaics, concentrated solar power, geothermal electricity, and small and large hydroelectricity.
Jacobson also pointed out that countries like Germany have successfully operated on 100% renewable energy for short periods.
In the UK, renewable energy accounted for 41.5% of electricity in 2022, a 10.5% increase from the previous year. Scotland reached an impressive milestone, generating 113% of its electricity consumption from renewable sources in the same year. Claire Mack, chief executive of Scottish Renewables, praised this achievement. “These record-breaking figures are a major step towards Scotland’s net zero goals, showing the potential of our renewable resources,” Mack said.
Despite Scotland’s heavy reliance on wind power, solar energy is expected to lead the global electricity market in the coming decades. Recent advancements, particularly in the material perovskite, have enhanced solar cell efficiency. Researchers from the University of Exeter and University College London declared that solar energy is on an “irreversible tipping point” and will likely become the dominant global energy source by 2050.
Their 2023 paper, published in *Nature Communications*, highlights that technological and economic progress has made the transition to clean energy both achievable and unavoidable. “Past policies have set technological trajectories that may lead to a global solar tipping point,” the researchers wrote. “Solar energy is the most available energy resource on Earth, and its economic attractiveness is rapidly improving due to increasing investments.”
This data and research suggest a strong future for renewable energy, with solar power expected to play a crucial role in meeting global energy demands. The advancements in technology and policy signal a promising shift towards sustainable energy solutions.