As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, the need for a swift transition to renewable energy is more pressing than ever. Green alternatives to fossil fuels such as solar, wind, hydropower and geothermal energy are constantly gaining ground across the globe. While some countries are naturally imbued with these natural resources, others are tapping into innovation and technology to harness these renewables.
In this article, we will list the top five countries leading the charge in renewable energy across the globe. These rankings are based on their RE generation and are provided by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
- China
When it comes to the largest producer and consumer of renewable energy, China stands unrivalled. Their aggressive investments in RE infrastructure and technology have made them the global leader in RE. In fact, China leads the world’s solar, wind and hydropower capacity. The country produced nearly 430 GW of solar power in 2023. Their strong network of renewable energy industry companies involved in solar panel manufacturing has also brought down the costs of solar technology across the globe.Â
China is also home to several of the world’s largest wind farms with a capacity of 300 GW. Their hydroelectric power accounts for more than 30% of the world’s hydropower capacity, making them the largest producer of hydropower.
- USA
Not far behind from China is the United States of America (USA). Over the years, the US has significantly increased its RE production, with a focus on wind and solar power. As the second-largest producer of wind energy, the US has an installed capacity of 140 GW with states like Texas, Iowa and Oklahoma leading the country. In the solar arena, the country boasts an installed capacity of over 130 GW with large-scale solar farms and rooftop installations.
Besides their solar and wind power plants, the US also enjoys a hydropower and geothermal energy presence. In fact, hydropower contributes to 7% of their total electricity generation. The country is also harnessing the Earth’s heat with their geothermal plants in regions like California and Nevada.
- Brazil
Third on the list of RE generation across the world is Brazil. With its vast network of rivers, including the Amazon, the country is the second-largest hydropower producer in the world after China. Their hydropower capacity stands at over 100 GW, which accounts for more than 60% of its total electricity generation. In recent years, the country has diversified its RE portfolio by investing in wind and biomass energy. Its extensive coastline puts it in a great position to harness wind energy with offshore wind farms.
- Germany
Owing to their progressive policies and commitment to sustainability, Germa has long been a leader in RE adoption. It is one of the top producers of wind and solar energy in the world. This European country boasts an installed capacity of 65 GW of wind energy thanks to its offshore wind farms in the North Sea and Baltic Sea. It is also a global leader in solar energy with an installed capacity of 60 GW. This is despite the country’s relatively lower sunlight exposure as compared to countries like the US and India.
- India
With an aim to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, India’s RE sector has witnessed an exponential growth trajectory in the last few years. The country’s solar capacity stands at 70 GW, thanks to initiatives like the National Solar Mission. India is also the fourth largest producer of wind energy in the world with a capacity of over 40 GW. With a harmonious blend of government policies and initiatives by private companies like Jindal Renewable Energy, India is well on its way to meeting its clean energy targets.
Closing Thoughts
These top five countries, China, the United States, Brazil, Germany and India, are leading the charge in RE adoption across the globe. Besides setting ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions and generate clean energy, these countries are also delivering on their promises to generate renewable energy. The fact that even a developing country like India has made it to the list of RE leaders in the world is an inspiration for other countries to follow in its footsteps.
