Renewable Energy Usage by Country 2024

Renewable energy is a cornerstone of sustainable development, playing a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating climate change, and fostering energy security. Across the globe, countries are increasingly shifting toward renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectric power, wind, solar, and biomass, to power their economies. However, the extent of renewable energy usage varies significantly, with some nations achieving remarkable levels of reliance on clean energy while others remain heavily dependent on fossil fuels.

This article provides an in-depth look at renewable energy usage by country, highlighting the top performers and offering a complete dataset for further exploration. By understanding these trends, we gain valuable insights into global efforts to transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

Top 10 Countries with the Highest Renewable Energy Usage

1. DR Congo: 96.3%
2. Somalia: 95.4%
3. Liberia: 92.8%
4. Gabon: 91.3%
5. Central African Republic: 90.9%
6. Uganda: 90.9%
7. Ethiopia: 90.6%
8. Guinea-Bissau: 87.4%
9. Madagascar: 83.1%
10. Burundi: 83.0%

These nations achieve high renewable energy usage primarily due to a reliance on traditional biomass, hydropower, and, in some cases, limited access to fossil fuel infrastructure. For example, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ethiopia benefit from vast hydroelectric resources, while others like Liberia and Somalia depend on biomass for daily energy needs. While these figures highlight the dominance of renewables, they also reflect challenges, as traditional biomass use can pose health and environmental risks. Nonetheless, these countries demonstrate the potential for renewable energy to meet a significant portion of energy demand.

Full Table (Source: Our World in Data, 2022 )

The Role of Renewable Energy in Developing Economies

Renewable energy plays a particularly important role in developing economies, where access to fossil fuels is often limited, and renewable sources like hydropower, biomass, and solar are more readily available. For instance, countries in sub-Saharan Africa, such as Uganda and Burundi, rely on hydropower to meet their electricity needs, while traditional biomass remains a primary source of energy for heating and cooking.

However, this reliance on renewables can be a double-edged sword. While it highlights the potential for low-carbon energy systems, it also points to the need for modernization. Transitioning from traditional biomass to cleaner and more efficient renewable energy technologies is essential to improve health outcomes and reduce environmental degradation.

Challenges and Opportunities in Renewable Energy Adoption

While some countries lead in renewable energy usage, others lag due to various barriers, including infrastructure costs, political instability, and lack of investment. However, the global energy transition presents opportunities:

1. Technological Innovation: Advances in solar, wind, and battery technologies are making renewable energy more accessible and affordable, even in remote regions.
2. International Cooperation: Global initiatives like the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize the importance of clean energy and provide funding and technical support to developing nations.
3. Economic Benefits: Investing in renewable energy creates jobs, reduces energy import dependency, and fosters long-term economic stability.

Nations that embrace these opportunities are better positioned to achieve sustainable energy systems while addressing energy poverty and climate change.

Source

• Share of electricity production from renewables – Our World In Data