Norway is the country with the highest share of renewable energy in the world, according to new data.
A study by energy tariff comparison platform Utility Bidder reveals the top 20 countries in the clean energy field, as well as those which rely most on fossil fuels.
The fossil fuels measured were coal, oil and natural gas, while renewable sources were biofuels and waste, wind, solar and hydro. The figures were sourced from the International Energy Agency (IEA).
56 percent of Norway’s total energy usage comes from renewable sources, while the UK ranks 20th with clean energy only accounting for a dismal 13 percent.
What do Norway, Brazil, and New Zealand have in common?
These three countries are all world leaders when it comes to renewable energy. They came first, second and third respectively in the rankings.
Norway utilizes hydropower more than any other country around the globe – it accounts for 45 percent of its supply alone. The Nordic country is known for its many steep valleys and rivers, as well as increased rainfall due to climate change, meaning hydroelectricity is bountiful.
With the second-highest supply of renewable energy, Brazil is the leader in biofuel and waste energy. These sources account for 32 percent of its total energy supply.
It is the second-largest producer of ethanol fuel and is an industry leader, with sugarcane-based ethanol being touted as the most successful alternative fuel to date.
Renewable energy sources account for 42 percent of New Zealand’s energy supply. It is a world leader in wind and solar energy which make up 25 percent of its energy supply.
Situated in the path of the ‘Roaring Forties’, a set of strong and constant westerly winds, the nation is perfectly positioned for wind power. It enjoys plenty of sunshine for solar energy too, as well as having an increasing market for solar hot water heating systems.
Which five countries are most reliant on fossil fuels?
With 98 percent reliance on fossil fuels, Singapore comes out as the worst in the world.
The country uses the highest proportion of oil in the world relative to total energy supply, with fossil fuels making up 73 percent of its energy supply. It is home to major oil companies such as Exxon Mobil, due to its ideal trading location and perceived safe environment.
Singapore is closely followed by Australia, with 93 percent reliance, and then South Africa with 91 percent.
Luxembourg and the Netherlands take fourth and fifth spot with a joint 90 percent fossil fuel dependence.
The Netherlands has the highest supply of natural gas of any other country on the list. Fifty percent of this comes from the Groningen gas field, the largest in Europe.
However, the Dutch government has committed to stop regular production from the Groningen field by 2022.
