These countries produce the most renewable energy in the world

Published: Updated: Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

The production of clean energy is experiencing a clear and continuous expansion with each passing year. Renewable energy sources (RES) are gaining increasing appeal and desirability due to their superiority in profitability when compared to fossil fuels. Moreover, they contribute to enhancing a country’s energy security and are more environmentally conscious.

Given these factors, the International Energy Agency (IEA) anticipates a continued rise in the adoption of RES. According to the IEA’s projections, during the period from 2022 to 2027, we can anticipate a surge in RES capacity by almost 75%, equivalent to around 2400 GW.

Which countries produce the most green energy?

Below is the list of countries that lead in generating electricity from renewable energy sources.

Energy production from RES in 2021 [TWh]

Note: The data regarding energy production by each country is sourced from the BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2022. These numbers encompass wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, and waste energy, while excluding hydropower.

What is the share of countries in the global RES production?

It’s best to show this on a chart. In percentage terms, it looks like this:

Share of individual countries in global RES production in 2021 [%]

What are the conclusions?

The attached charts clearly reveal two standout countries in terms of renewable energy production volume—China and the United States. China, in particular, takes the lead as the largest producer of green energy. Following closely, the United States holds the second position. Additionally, Germany, India, Brazil, and other nations contribute to the list, with Poland ranking 21st.

1. China? how much renewable energy do they produce?

China, despite being responsible for one-third of global CO2 emissions, is actively advancing in the renewable energy field. In 2021, China generated an impressive 1,152.5 terawatt-hours (TWh) of renewable energy. Approximately 31.5% of the country’s energy stems from renewable sources other than hydro. Notably, China also dominates the manufacturing of photovoltaic and wind energy devices.

The Chinese government aims to amplify its renewable energy capacity. In 2021, the target was set at 635 gigawatts (GW), with a vision to reach 1,200 GW by 2030.

2. US? how much renewable energy do they produce?

The United States holds the title of the second-largest renewable energy producer globally. In 2021, the country generated 624.45 TWh of electricity from renewable sources. The United States stands out in its ability to innovate within the renewable energy sector. It’s at the forefront of developing technologies that extend the lifespan of renewable energy installations and enhance possibilities for reducing production costs of system components.

Projections indicate that the United States is set to see a boost in renewable energy capacity by 217.8 GW from 2021 to 2026.

Sources:

BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2022 , bp.com

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