China installs more renewables in one year than total US supply
China just installed more wind and solar in one year than the entire US has in operation. New data from Global Energy Monitor highlights how far ahead China is in the clean energy race. President Donald Trump’s recently signed spending bill may push the US even further behind, experts told CNN.
Industry leaders warn the move will stall innovation in energy efficiency and battery storage just as momentum was building. Meanwhile, China is adding 510 gigawatts of solar and wind capacity to its already massive 1,400 gigawatts—five times more than what’s currently online in the US.
As global demand for clean energy rises, industries around the world are racing to keep pace and shift away from fossil fuels. Click through this gallery to find out which countries are leading the way when it comes to renewable energies.
Iceland
Almost 100% of Iceland's energy comes from renewable sources. Most of the energy for electricity derives from the country's geothermal and hydroelectric power plants.
According to EcoWatch, the country is the largest clean energy producer per person in the world.
Sweden
In 2015, Sweden pledged to eliminate fossil fuel usage within 25 years.
Portugal
In March 2018, Portugal generated enough renewable energy to power the whole country for a month.
The southern European nation predicted that alternative energies will be enough to satisfy electricity needs by 2040.
Norway
The Nordic country is an example for the rest of the world. Almost 100% of its energy comes from renewable energy sources.
Norway also has the highest number of electric cars per capita.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica's unique geography allows them to fulfill energy needs by resorting to renewable energies, such as hydroelectric, geothermal, and solar.
Nicaragua
Similarly to Costa Rica, this Central American nation has access to geothermal energy due to its great number of volcanoes.
United Kingdom
The UK has a lot of potential when it comes to wind power due to its weather. Grid-connected wind farms and standalone turbines now generate more energy than coal power plants.
Germany
For a rather cloudy country, Germany is actually investing a lot in solar energy. Wind power is also one of the nation's biggest source of energy.
Uruguay
The South American country has made a dramatic shift to clean-energy usages in the past decade.
Denmark
Denmark is another country that aims to be free of fossil fuel by 2050, mainly through investing in wind power.
China
China is the world's largest polluter, which means they've had to step up their clean-energy game recently.
Morocco
Morocco has the advantage of having over 300 days of sunshine a year, which means solar-powered energy production has been on the rise.
Chile
Chile houses the largest solar-energy plant in South America, which is located in the Atacama Desert.
Kenya
Kenya has had to import electricity from neighboring countries in the past, but the country's now investing in geothermal energy production.
