In the second of our series, focusing on how renewable energy is shaping the future of energy security, UN News looks at four countries striving to increase the share of greener energy sources.
Why it is important:
As United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said in March: “The fastest path to energy security, economic security and national security is clear: accelerate a just transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.”
Germany: Accelerate the energy transition
The big picture:
Germany has one of the largest economies in the world and, according to its environmental agency, “renewable energy has seen steady growth” as part of the European nation’s long-term shift away from fossil fuels.
Renewable energy is helping to reduce dependence on imported fuels and protect consumers from global price shocks, as well as addressing climate change.
Renewable energies in Germany.
Energy mix:
- Renewable energy provides 55 percent of electricity consumption.
- Wind predominates and, to a lesser extent, solar.
- Biomass (energy generated from organic matter) and hydroelectric energy are also part of the mix.
- Fossil fuels are still used in industry and transportation.
Key challenge:
Wind energy is by far the most important energy source and sometimes involves inconsistent levels of energy generation. Ensuring 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 renewable energy.
Progress towards full transition:
- Expansion of offshore wind and solar energy
- Modernization and expansion of the network, as well as investment in storage facilities, are considered “crucial” to the transition process.
India: Expand renewable energy for development
The big picture:
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 power are expanding rapidly.
Renewable energy is helping to reduce costly fuel imports and stabilize energy supplies in a dynamic economy.
Technicians work on a solar panel in Chattisgarh state, India.
Energy mix:
- Renewable energy represents around 30% of installed capacity (a measure of maximum potential energy production)
- Solar energy is expanding rapidly
- Coal remains dominant
Key challenge:
Meeting rapidly increasing energy demand as the economy expands while reducing reliance on coal remains a challenge, particularly given concerns about the affordability of renewable energy and the need to ensure reliable power across a vast country.
Progress towards full transition:
- Large solar parks and roof extensions
- Wind and hybrid systems
- Green hydrogen initiatives
Solar-powered livelihood programs are improving incomes and energy access in rural communities. Read more here.
Bolivia: Moving from gas to renewable energies
The big picture:
Bolivia is working to diversify away from natural gas, which dominates its energy system. Hydropower is key to the South American country’s long-term energy stability and economic resilience.
A woman in rural Bolivia operates a solar-powered irrigation system.
Energy mix:
- Renewable energies provide around 30-35% of electricity generation
- Hydroelectric energy is the main renewable source
- Solar and wind energy are expanding
- Natural gas remains dominant
Key challenge:
Bolivia remains dependent on gas revenues and the existing infrastructure to extract, process and deliver the fuel. This strong structural dependence and access to sufficient financing for large-scale deployment of renewable energy makes a rapid transition away from fossil fuel sources challenging.
Progress towards full transition:
- Solar expansion in rural and high altitude regions.
- Wind farm development
- National roadmap aimed at significant growth in renewable energy
Read how solar-powered irrigation is helping rural communities improve agricultural productivity in Bolivia.
Nigeria: Unleashing solar potential
The big picture:
Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy and most populous country. According to UN figures, more than 60 percent of its 241 million inhabitants live in poverty.
Despite the development challenges it faces, it has enormous renewable potential, although it remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels. Frequent power outages and dependence on diesel generators highlight the need for a more resilient system based on renewable energy.
A woman holds a solar lamp in a Nigerian village.
Energy mix:
- Renewable energies represent between 20 and 25 percent of electricity generation
- Hydropower provides the majority of renewable supply
- Solar energy is growing but underdeveloped
- Gas dominates electricity generation
Key challenge:
The West African nation’s goal is to generate 50 percent of its electricity from renewables by 2030 and to achieve this it will need to build more infrastructure, especially a more reliable grid, spend more money and shift the industry away from its reliance on gas-fired power plants.
Progress towards full transition:
- Expansion of minigrids and isolated solar energy
- National electrification programs
- Increased investment in solar home systems
Read how UN-supported solar mini-grid programs in Nigeria are providing electricity to rural communities, supporting businesses and improving quality of life.
The final result:
In very different economies, from industrialized Germany to emerging powers like India and developing nations like Bolivia and Nigeria, a clear trend is emerging:
- Renewable energies are strengthening energy security
- They are reducing dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets.
- They are delivering tangible benefits to people and economies.
But challenges remain, from financing and infrastructure to balancing reliability and rapid expansion.