Approximately 11% of the world's energy comes from renewable sources, boosting the global shift towards sustainable and clean power generation.

What Percentage of Energy is Renewable in the World?

As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and sustainable development, renewable energy sources have increasingly gained attention and popularity. The transition towards renewable energy is viewed as a crucial step in combating global carbon emissions and reducing our dependency on fossil fuels. But what percentage of our energy comes from renewable sources? In this article, we will explore the current state of renewable energy and examine the percentage of energy that is generated from renewable sources worldwide.

Renewable energy refers to sources that are virtually inexhaustible and have a minimal impact on the environment. These sources include solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass energy. Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy offers a sustainable alternative that can be harnessed without depleting natural resources.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), approximately 27% of the world's power production came from renewable sources in 2019. This figure shows a significant increase compared to previous years, indicating a positive trend towards a greener future. However, it is crucial to explore how different regions and countries contribute to this global percentage.

Europe has been at the forefront of renewable energy adoption, with several countries achieving impressive milestones. In 2019, nearly 38% of Europe's electricity generation came from renewable sources, an increase from 37% in the previous year. Countries such as Sweden, Iceland, and Norway led the way, with more than 50% of their electricity generated from renewable energy.

Other regions, such as the Americas and Asia, have also made significant progress in renewable energy deployment. In the Americas, Brazil stands out with approximately 79% of its electricity coming from renewable sources, primarily due to its use of hydropower. Canada follows closely, with around 67% of its electricity generated from renewable energy. In the United States, despite having the largest capacity for wind and solar power, only about 18% of electricity production comes from renewables.

In Asia, China has emerged as a global leader in renewable energy. The country has heavily invested in wind and solar power, resulting in an impressive growth rate of renewable energy generation. In 2019, China accounted for 28% of the world's renewable energy production. However, it is important to note that coal remains a significant portion of China's energy mix, highlighting the challenges in transitioning to a cleaner energy system.

Africa, despite having vast potential for renewable energy, lags behind other continents in its adoption. The continent, with its abundance of sunlight and wind resources, has the potential to become a major player in renewable energy production. However, limited infrastructure, lack of financing, and political instability have hindered the progress of renewable energy deployment in Africa.

It is crucial to remember that the percentage of renewable energy varies across different sectors. While electricity generation is often the focus when discussing renewable energy adoption, other sectors, such as transportation and heating, heavily rely on fossil fuels. Achieving a higher percentage of renewable energy in these sectors is equally important for a comprehensive energy transition.

Furthermore, the global renewable energy percentage is projected to increase significantly in the coming years. The IEA's 2020 World Energy Outlook anticipates that renewable energy will account for over 80% of the global electricity generation by 2050, driven by plummeting costs, supportive policies, and technological advancements.

In conclusion, the percentage of energy generated from renewable sources in the world was approximately 27% in 2019. While different regions and countries have varying levels of renewable energy adoption, the global trend towards renewables is promising. Europe leads the way with 38% of electricity generation coming from renewables, followed by the Americas and Asia. However, it is important to continue investing in renewable energy infrastructure and promoting policies that support its growth. As we strive towards a sustainable and cleaner future, the percentage of renewable energy is expected to rise significantly in the years to come.