In this brief article, we will discuss the top 5 countries leading in green energy. If you want more details about the countries investing in sustainable energy, read 15 Most Advanced Countries in Renewable Energy.
5. Brazil
Average Annual Renewable Energy Generation: 412.9 terawatt-hours
According to the BP Statistical Review, Brazil had installed wind and solar generation capacities of 24 gigawatts each in 2022. The country’s commitment to renewable energy is evident in the remarkable 69.6% year-on-year increase in installed photovoltaic capacity between 2021 and 2022. Consequently, Brazil’s electricity generation is primarily powered by renewable sources, accounting for an impressive 83% share of its electricity mix. A key element of Brazil’s renewable energy strategy is its substantial reliance on extensive hydropower facilities, with its hydropower capacity exceeding 150 gigawatts.
4. India
Average Annual Renewable Energy Generation: 484.2 terawatt-hours
India has made remarkable progress in the field of renewable energy, marked by a significant expansion in its capacity and the implementation of strategic policy initiatives. Between 2014 and 2021, the nation’s renewable energy capacity surged by 250%, catapulting it to the fourth position globally in terms of renewable energy installations, as reported by the Asian Development Bank. India’s ambitious goals for 2030 include achieving a renewable energy capacity of 500 GW, meeting half of its energy requirements from renewable sources, and reducing carbon emissions by one billion tonnes.
In a major development in 2023, the Indian government allocated a substantial budget of Rs. 35,000 crore (approximately $4.2 billion) for critical capital investments, with a focus on transitioning to energy sustainability and working towards achieving net-zero objectives by 2070.
3. Germany
Average Annual Renewable Energy Generation: 624.9 terawatt-hours
In 2022, Germany had an installed solar power capacity of 66.5 gigawatts, reflecting a 12.1% increase from 2021. Similarly, the country’s wind turbine power generation capacity reached 66.3 gigawatts in the same year, marking a 3.9% increase from 2021. A significant milestone was achieved in the first half of 2023 when renewable sources accounted for 57.7% of Germany’s net electricity production.
Germany’s energy transformation strategy, known as Energiewende, includes goals such as phasing out nuclear power by late 2022 and transitioning away from coal power by 2038. Under the Climate Action Plan 2050, Germany has established specific emission reduction targets, aiming for a 40% reduction by 2020 and a reduction ranging from 80% to 95% by 2050, compared to 1990 levels. Impressively, Germany recorded the most significant decrease in energy-related CO2 emissions among European Union nations in 2019.
2. United States
Average Annual Renewable Energy Generation: 1678.6 terawatt-hours
The United States has the second-highest wind turbine capacity globally, currently standing at 140 gigawatts, and the second-highest solar power capacity at 113 gigawatts. In 2023, the United States continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to renewable energy and environmental justice through a series of substantial initiatives. The Department of Energy (DOE) has played a pivotal role in this effort, notably by contributing $450 million to the Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund. This investment aims to provide solar panels and battery storage systems to up to 40,000 homes in Puerto Rico, with a particular focus on the most vulnerable communities.
1. China
Average Annual Renewable Energy Generation: 3037 terawatt-hours
By the end of 2022, China’s power generation capacity had reached an impressive 2,564.05 gigawatts, with renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower playing a significant role. Specifically, the country had an installed wind turbine capacity of 365 gigawatts and a solar power capacity of 393 gigawatts in 2022. For 2023, it is projected that approximately 60% of China’s total electricity generation capacity will come from non-fossil fuel sources, primarily wind and solar energy. A notable achievement is that China’s total capacity for renewable energy has now exceeded 1.4 terawatts, constituting nearly half, approximately 49.9%, of the country’s total electricity generation capacity.
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