Who is producing, who is consuming?
Renewable Energy Remains Unequally Distributed
09/08/2010Renewable natural resources are now part and parcel of a balanced energy supply. Obtaining heat, electricity, and fuel from wind, water, the sun, the earth or wood offers new opportunities.
Global electricity production from renewable energy accounted for 18.7% of production in 2008, much of it from hydroelectricity. Fuel is another market where these energy sources have made significant progress.However, a study of the production and consumption of these energy sources shows that there are significant differences between the world's regions. Sun and wind power are new technologies and remain the preserve of the richest countries.
Solar Energy- Promising Development
Electricity production from solar power has grown significantly in Europe and North America in recent years.
Water-based Energy Production
Hydroelectricity is the leading source of renewable energy in the world and is also one of the best distributed on the planet.
Wind Power- An Energy Source with Potential
European and North American countries have a considerable head-start in wind power development.
Geothermal Power- Underground Energy
Geothermal power provides low-cost electricity and heat to emerging countries.
Biomass– An Energy Source that Uses Wood
Biomass is mainly derived from wood and is booming in Northern countries. It generates electricity as well as heat.
Biogas- A Growing Energy Source in Europe
Europe, Germany, and the United Kingdom are the leaders in the production of gas from household, industrial, and agricultural waste through methanization.
