According to a recent column by the International Solar Energy Society (ISES), Sweden, Australia, the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark are the leading countries for per capita solar and wind energy generation capacity. These countries are followed closely by Lithuania, Finland, Estonia, and Austria, which are the fastest-growing regions for solar and wind deployment.
The article highlights the rapid growth of solar and wind energy, with solar capacity doubling every 3 years and wind capacity every 6 years. In contrast, fossil and nuclear energy capacity has remained relatively stagnant in recent years. The article attributes this growth to the increasing demand for electricity, driven by population growth, rising affluence, and the electrification of various sectors such as transportation, heating, and industry.
The ISES also notes that combined global solar and wind capacity has grown significantly since 2010, with over 700 GW of new capacity added in 2024 alone. This growth is accompanied by a significant reduction in the construction of new fossil and nuclear power stations. The article concludes that solar and wind energy will dominate future energy systems, citing their rapid deployment and the limited growth of fossil and nuclear energy.
The article also explores the security and resilience advantages of solar and wind energy, particularly when compared to the vulnerability of a few large fossil and nuclear power stations. The author suggests that these energy systems are more secure and resilient due to their decentralized nature, which allows them to operate more efficiently and sustainably.
The article presents several key statistics and facts, including:
* Sweden, Australia, the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark are the leading countries for per capita solar and wind generation capacity.
* The top ten countries for solar and wind deployment speeds are scattered across Europe, Australia, Qatar, China, and Chile.
* Solar and wind capacity are being deployed 6 times faster than the combined capacity of fossil, hydro, nuclear, and other energy sources.
* Global solar and wind capacity has been doubling every 3 and 6 years, respectively, while fossil and nuclear capacity has remained stable in recent years.
* Solar and wind generation are meeting almost all the growth in global electricity demand.
Overall, the article provides an optimistic outlook for the future of renewable energy, highlighting the rapid growth of solar and wind energy and the challenges facing the fossil and nuclear industries.