Renewable energy in the energy mix

Renewable energy in the energy mix

Unlike conventional, non-renewable energy sources, which gradually deplete limited available supplies of fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal, lignite, uranium), renewable energies come from resources that can not be depleted. Hydroelectricity technology, an energy source that derives from the use of water, has long been employed. New renewable energies include solar power (photovoltaic or thermal), wind power, biomass and biofuels, geothermal energy, and marine energy.

In addition to offering an indefinite supply, using these renewables generates little if any waste and few if any greenhouse gases.

Nevertheless, renewable energy sources are still under-used. Only 20% of electricity, that most widespread energy, was generated from renewable resources in 1996; the percentage has even dropped slightly since (19% in 2006). Hydroelectricity accounts for the lion’s share of electricity production – 89% in 2006 – yet other renewables are grossly under-represented (biomass 5.7%, wind power 3.5%, geothermal energy 1.7, solar energy 0.2%).

The ratio of renewable energy production to non-renewable energy production, expressed as a percentage, represents a country’s potential to ensure long-term energy production according to a sustainable model.
Only two countries, Paraguay and Bhutan, have a ratio exceeding 100%, yet with low total energy production. Next in line are those African and Asian countries with relatively low production, as well as two European countries, Iceland and Norway, that boast substantial electricity production. Over 100 countries have a ratio under 10%, including several European countries, China, India, Japan, Australia, and Israel. Nearly 40 countries even report 0% renewable energy in their energy mix, namely some islands and oil-producing countries.

Definition of the indicator

It is the ratio of renewable to non-renewable energy production, expressed as a percentage. In some cases, it can exceed 100%.