In order to reduce dependence on oil and natural gas and subjecting themselves to the mercy of energy price fluctuations, countries are beginning to make a move towards the use of renewable energy. Renewable technologies can also help countries reduce use of other forms of unsustainable energy sources like kerosene lamps. Let us look at the some countries which are known to use renewable energy.
Kenya
Kenya is currently the world leader in terms of the number of solar power systems which have been installed per capita. Every year, about 30,000 small solar panels are being sold in Kenya alone.
The country is constantly working towards using renewable energy by identifying 9 areas in which solar plants that could provide greater amount of electricity by 2016. Kenyan officials believe that this project will allow Kenya to fulfil half its energy production by solar power.
Costa Rica on 100% Renewable Energy
As of March 2015, it was reported that the entire country was running on 100% renewable energy for more than 75 days consecutively. Costa Rica was experiencing heavy rainfall and its hydropower plants were able to generate sufficient energy to supply to the entire country. The country is lucky to have other energy sources like solar, wind and geothermal. The countryโs small size and population of less than 5 million people has worked in its favor.
Denmark and wind
Renewable energy has been adopted in Denmark as it moves towards sustainable sources. Denmark has experienced unusually high winds and this has enabled the country to generate almost 140% of electricity supply. Denmark has embarked on a project to install windfarms and this means that the country could be producing more than half of the electricity it needs from renewable sources by 2020.
This is a great leap forward towards transitioning into the use of renewable energy since the energy crisis in the 1970s. Once Denmark is able to grapple with its other challenges like technological and social issues, it will be able to become self-reliant for its energy production.
While not all countries are currently using 100% renewable energy, many have made the promise to strive towards that. If countries succeed, the world is bound to become a better place with less of natural resources being used.
