Unlike oil and gas, which expose countries to price spikes and geopolitical risk, renewables offer stable, domestically produced power that can strengthen energy security, cut emissions of harmful greenhouse gases and support long-term growth.<\/p>\n
In the second in our series focusing on how renewables are shaping the future of energy security, UN News looks at four countries which are striving to increase the share of greener energy sources.<\/p>\n
Why it matters:<\/p>\n
As The UN Secretary-General Ant\u00f3nio Guterres said<\/a> in March: \u201cThe fastest path to energy security, economic security, and national security is clear: speed up a just transition away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy.\u201d<\/p>\n Germany: Accelerating the energy transition<\/p>\n The big picture:<\/p>\n Germany has one of the world\u2019s biggest economies and according to its environment agency \u201crenewable energies have undergone constant growth\u201d as part of the European nation\u2019s long-term shift away from fossil fuels.<\/p>\n Renewables are helping reduce reliance on imported fuels and insulating consumers from global price shocks as well as tackling climate change.<\/p>\n \u00a9 AGEE-Stat Energy mix:Renewables provide 55 per cent of electricity consumptionWind \u2013 and to a lesser extent, solar \u2013 dominates.Biomass (energy generated from organic matter) and hydropower are also part of the mixFossil fuels are still used in industry and transportKey challenge:<\/p>\n Wind power is by far the most important energy source, and with that comes sometimes inconsistent levels of power generation. Ensuring that industrial demand is met and safeguarding grid stability remains a major hurdle. Meanwhile, there is a continued need for fossil fuel backup during the transition to renewables.<\/p>\n Progress toward full transition:Expansion of offshore wind and solarGrid modernisation and expansion as well as investing in storage facilities are described as \u201ccrucial\u201d to the transition processIndia: Scaling renewables for developmentThe big picture:<\/p>\n India has a growing economy and is the most populous country in the world. It still relies on coal to generate the electricity it needs although solar and wind energy is rapidly expanding.<\/p>\n Renewables are helping to reduce costly fuel imports and to stabilise energy supplies in a dynamic economy.<\/p>\n \u00a9 World Bank Energy mix:Renewables account for around 30% of installed capacity (a measure of maximum potential power output)Solar is rapidly expandingCoal remains dominantKey challenge:<\/p>\n Meeting the rapidly rising demand for energy as the economy expands while reducing coal dependence remains challenging, particularly given concerns about the affordability of renewables and the need to ensure reliable power across a vast country.<\/p>\n Progress toward full transition:Large solar parks and rooftop expansionWind and hybrid systemsGreen hydrogen initiatives<\/p>\n Solar-powered livelihood programmes are improving incomes and energy access in rural communities. Read more here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Bolivia: Shifting from gas to renewablesThe big picture:<\/p>\n Bolivia is working to diversify away from natural gas, which dominates its energy system. Hydropower is key to the South American country\u2019s long-term energy stability and economic resilience.<\/p>\n \u00a9 Practical Action Bolivia Energy mix:Renewables provide around 30\u201335% of electricity generationHydropower is the main renewable sourceSolar and wind are expandingNatural gas remains dominantKey challenge:<\/p>\n Bolivia continues to rely on gas revenues and the infrastructure in place to extract, process and deliver the fuel. This heavy structural dependence and accessing sufficient finance for the large-scale deployment of renewables makes a rapid transition away from fossil fuel sources challenging.<\/p>\n Progress toward full transition:Solar expansion in rural and high-altitude regionsWind farm developmentNational roadmap targeting major renewable growth<\/p>\n Read how Solar-powered irrigation<\/a> is helping rural communities improve agricultural productivity in Bolivia.<\/p>\n Nigeria: Unlocking solar potentialThe big picture:<\/p>\n Nigeria is Africa\u2019s largest economy and most populous country. More than 60 per cent of its 241 million people live in poverty according to UN figures<\/a>.<\/p>\n Despite the development challenges it faces, it has vast renewable potential even though it remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels. Frequent power shortages and reliance on diesel generators highlight the need for a more resilient, renewable-based system.<\/p>\n IOM\/Jorge Galindo Energy mix:Renewables account for around 20\u201325 per cent of electricity generationHydropower provides most renewable supplySolar is growing but underdevelopedGas dominates electricity generationKey challenge:<\/p>\n The West African nation\u2019s aim is to generate 50 per cent of its electricity from renewables<\/a> by 2030 and to do this it will need to build more infrastructure especially a more reliable grid, spend more money and wean industry from its reliance on gas-fired power plants.<\/p>\n Progress toward full transition:Expansion of off-grid solar and mini-gridsNational electrification programmesIncreasing investment in home solar systems<\/p>\n
\n Renewable energy in Germany.<\/p>\n
\n Technicians work on a solar panel in Chattisgarh State, India.<\/p>\n
\n A woman in rural Bolivia operates a solar power-driven irrigation system.<\/p>\n
\n A woman holds a solar lamp in a village in Nigeria.<\/p>\n