In the context of energy strategies, European countries are obliged to produce an important share of renewable energy for a more reliable, sustainable and less carbon emitting economy. According to objectives suitable to each and everyone’s resources, some more than others, are ready to become to become green countries!
Portugal, a Renewable Energychampion
In March 2018, Portugal produced more renewable energy than it consumed. With 4812 GWh of produced electricity, or 103.6 %, the country has broken its own previous record of 99.2% in February 2014. According to Redes Energeticas Nacionais (REN), a Portuguese power company, Portuguese power consumption was fully supplied by renewable energy during 139 hours, that being approximately six days. However, due to lack of storage and infrastructure permitting connection to other networks, the surplus could not be used.
Portugal wants to guarantee a yearly power production supplied by clean energy while reducing GHG emissions by 2040.
Result of many years of energy transition policy
Swept by sun and wind, the country has been engaged since 2005 in ambitious renewable energy projects. As it relies on imported fossil energy, Portugal has mainly turned to wind and hydraulic power as well as wave and sun generated power.
During the month of March, wind farms and hydroelectric power plants produced 42% to 55 % of the consumption. This is another success for the country because in 2014, it covered its energy needs solely with wind, hydraulic and solar power for six days in a row.
Despite this noteworthy improvement, Portuguese consumption was not limited to rather unpredictable green energy. Consequently, Fossil energy took over from time to time.
Reaching 100% renewable : A reality in the near future ?
While Portugal displays favorable conditions for the use of renewable energy (climate conditions, low population density, low carbon print) these results are encouraging for the rest of Europe. In comparison, in 2017 renewable energy represented 16% of the overall power production in France , which ranked the country last in the European Union along with the Netherlands.
According to a report published by Agora Energiewende in January 2018, 2017 was the first year renewable energies produced 30% of the European power. If member countries keep their commitment on the long term and production keeps up with this pace, the EU should reach a production of 50% of renewable energy by 2030.
Often known as the A students in the field of energy, Northern European countries are leaders in renewable energy. Norway has developed a unique energy model. Almost all of its power needs are supplied by renewable energy with its exceptional hydraulic potential. It is Europe’s largest producer of hydropower followed by Sweden and Austria. Norway would like to take a step further by reducing its emissions by 100% by 2050, for carbon neutrality.
In Iceland, like its neighbor, 100% of the power consumed in this small country is produced by renewable energy. 9 houses out of 10 are heated directly by thermal energy. The energy transition conducted in this country is a source of inspiration for countries that wish to increase their share of renewable energy.
For 2020, the EU has set a goal of 20% of renewable energy for its total energy consumption. There are however considerable disparities between countries. Some countries are rather far from their pre-established goals. For instance, France, the Netherlands, The United Kingdom are behind in their effort to reach their goal.
Renewable energy is a necessity to tend to a carbon-free economy in 2050. In order to reduce their GHG emissions by 80% in comparison to 1990, a goal set by the European Commission climate roadmap, countries must increase the use of clean energy in all sectors: agriculture, transportation, industry…. While they are headed in the right direction, some efforts remain for sustainable solutions.
