Two European countries have achieved 100% renewable energy reliance due to a surge in wind power capacity. In 2023, global wind energy installations hit a record high with 116 gigawatts added, marking a 50% increase from the previous year. China led in both offshore and onshore wind installations, followed by the US, Brazil, and Germany. Europe also saw a record year, notably the Netherlands with 3.8 gigawatts of new offshore capacity. While wind power growth is concentrated, regions like Africa and the Middle East witnessed significant expansion.
Authors of the Global Wind Report commend progress in combating climate change but stress the need for substantial annual growth to meet COP28 pledges. Seven countries, including Albania, Bhutan, and Iceland, rely entirely on renewable sources for energy, while Norway comes close. Additionally, 40 countries, including several in Europe, derive at least half of their electricity from renewables. Solar energy, predicted to surpass other renewables, accounted for 73% of renewable capacity growth in 2023 and is expected to become the primary global energy source by 2050.
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