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Powering the World with Renewable Energy

Posted on: 12/05/2016
Wind turbines and solar farm


The idea of the world's leading nations being able to generate all of the electricity they require from solely renewable energy sources seemed a long way off just a few years ago. However, at around 1pm on Sunday 8th May, Germany came pretty close. A combination of sunny and windy conditions resulted in the country's solar, wind, hydro and biomass plants generating around 55GW of the 63GW required to meet demand - that's 87%.


Critics have long argued that renewable energy production would only ever have a 'niche' role when powering the world's leading nations. The argument being that the peaks and troughs in supply which come as a result the sun going in and out or the wind rising and falling mean that renewable energy cannot be relied upon. The results from Germany, one of the world's largest consumers of energy, suggests otherwise. 


Germany expects to achieve 100% renewable energy by the middle of the century. There are however, several nations which are already (or are very close to) achieving this remarkable feat. They include:

  • Iceland

Iceland's location in the mid-Atlantic and volcanic roots has helped the country to produce 100% of the electricity it requires from renewable energy sources. 75% of that energy is sourced from hydro power, with the remainder coming from geothermal. Add that 87% of demand for hot water and heating comes from geothermal energy and Iceland shows what can be achieved when you put your minds to it. 

  • Norway

By taking advantage of the nation's many rivers and mountains, Norway has been able to produce approximately 96% of its electricity demand from hydropower. 2% comes from geothermal, wind and solar sources, with just the remaining 2% coming from combustible fuels. This has all been achieved despite barely scratching the surface of the country's huge potential for wind power.

  • Paraguay

Paraguay is one of the largest net exporters of electricity in the world. With two binational hydroelectric dams, the country is able to generate 100% of its electricity from renewable sources. Around 90% of that generated energy is exported, with neighbouring Argentina and Brazil receiving a large percentage. 

  • Uruguay

In the past decade, Uruguay has transformed its energy mix. 15 years ago the country imported 27% of its oil and a new pipeline had just been opened to supply gas from Argentina. Fast forward to the present day and 94.5% of the country's electricity demand is now met through renewable energy. During the dry season, wind power is also used to stretch the hydropower reserves.

  • Denmark

As one of the leaders when it comes to wind power, Denmark achieves around 40% of its energy from turbines. However, the country also harnesses the "intermittent" nature of renewable energy sources. On one day during July 2015, the country's wind farms generated 140% of their electricity demand - allowing for 80% of the excess to be shared with neighbours Norway, Sweden and Germany.