Unlike oil and gas, which exposes countries to rising prices and geopolitical risks, renewable energy provides stable, domestically produced electricity that can strengthen energy security, cut emissions of harmful greenhouse gases and support long-term growth.
The second part of our series focuses on how renewable energy is shaping the future of energy security, united nations news Taking a look at four countries that are trying to increase the share of green energy sources.
why it matters:
In form of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said In March: “The fastest path to energy security, economic security, and national security is clear: accelerating a just transition away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy.”
Germany: accelerating the energy transition
Big picture:
Germany has one of the world’s largest economies and has “sustained growth in renewable energy” as part of the European nation’s long-term transition away from fossil fuels, according to its environment agency.
Renewables are helping to combat climate change while reducing reliance on imported fuels and protecting consumers from global price shocks.
Renewable energy in Germany.
Energy Mix:
- 55 percent of electricity consumption comes from renewable energy
- Wind – and to a lesser extent, solar – dominate.
- Biomass (energy produced from organic matter) and hydropower are also part of the mix
- Fossil fuels are still used in industry and transportation
Main Challenge:
Wind power is by far the most important energy source, and with it comes sometimes inconsistent levels of power output. Ensuring that industrial demand is met and protecting grid stability remains a major hurdle. Meanwhile, there is a continued need for fossil fuel backup during the transition to renewable energy.
Progress towards complete transformation:
- Expansion of offshore wind and solar
- Grid modernization and expansion as well as investment in storage facilities have been described as “crucial” to the transition process
India: Expanding renewable energy for growth
Big picture:
India’s economy is growing and it 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 expensive fuel imports and stabilize energy supplies in a dynamic economy.
Technicians work on solar panels in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh.
Energy Mix:
- The contribution of renewable energy is about 30% of installed capacity (a measure of maximum potential electricity generation).
- Solar energy is expanding rapidly
- Coal dominates
Main Challenge:
Meeting the rapidly increasing demand for energy as the economy expands and reducing dependence on coal remains challenging, especially given concerns about the affordability of renewable energy and the need to ensure reliable electricity across the vast country.
Progress towards complete transformation:
- Large solar park and rooftop expansion
- wind and hybrid systems
- Green Hydrogen Initiative
Solar powered livelihood programs are improving income and energy access in rural communities. read more Here.
Bolivia: Shift from gas to renewable energy
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 sustainability and economic resilience.
A woman runs a solar-powered irrigation system in rural Bolivia.
Energy Mix:
- provide renewable resources About 30-35% of power generation
- Hydropower is the main renewable source
- Solar and wind are expanding
- Natural gas remains dominant
Main Challenge:
Bolivia continues to rely on gas revenues and infrastructure to extract, process and distribute the fuel. This heavy structural dependency and access to adequate finance for large-scale deployment of renewable energy makes a rapid transition away from fossil fuel sources challenging.
Progress towards complete transformation:
- Expansion of solar energy in rural and high altitude areas
- wind farm development
- National roadmap targeting key renewable developments
read how solar energy irrigation Helping rural communities in Bolivia improve agricultural productivity.
Nigeria: unlocking solar potential
Big picture:
Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy and most populous country. More than 60 percent of its 241 million people live in poverty, according to UN statistics.
Despite the development challenges it faces, it has huge renewable potential, even though it is heavily dependent on fossil fuels. Frequent power shortages and reliance on diesel generators highlight the need for a more flexible, renewable-based system.
A woman holding a solar lamp in a village in Nigeria.
Energy Mix:
- The contribution of renewable energy in electricity generation is about 20-25 percent.
- Hydropower provides the largest renewable supply
- Solar energy is growing but underdeveloped
- Gas dominates electricity generation
Main Challenge:
The West African nation aims to generate 50 percent of its electricity comes from renewable energy by 2030, and to do so it will have to build more infrastructure, especially a more reliable grid, spend more money and free the industry from reliance on gas-fired power plants.
Progress towards complete transformation:
- Expansion of off-grid solar and mini-grids
- National Electrification Program
- Investment in home solar systems is increasing
read how UN supported solar mini-grid program Providing electricity to rural communities in Nigeria, supporting businesses and improving the quality of life.
Bottom Line:
Across very different economies, from industrial Germany to emerging powers like India and developing countries like Bolivia and Nigeria, a clear trend is emerging:
- Strengthening renewable energy security
- They are reducing dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets
- They are delivering tangible benefits to people and economies
But challenges still remain – from financing and infrastructure to balancing reliability with rapid expansion.
