Renewable Energy Leaders: Paraguay, Bhutan, Lesotho, Nepal, and Ethiopia

As the world grapples with the urgent need to combatclimate changeand transition to clean energy, several countries are emerging as leaders in renewable energy adoption. Paraguay, Bhutan, Lesotho, Nepal, and Ethiopia are making significant strides in harnessing their abundant natural resources to generate clean electricity, with a strong focus on hydropower.

Why this matters: The success of these countries in transitioning to renewable energy sources serves as a model for other nations to follow, highlighting the importance of collective action in addressing the globalclimate crisis. As the world strives to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, the experiences of these leaders can inform and inspire others to accelerate their own clean energy transitions.

Paraguay has achieved an impressive milestone, with 100% of its electricity supply coming from clean sources, primarily hydropower. The Itaipu Dam, a joint project with Brazil, provides a staggering 70% of Paraguay's electricity. The country continues to diversify its renewable energy mix to promote sustainability and drive innovation in the sector.

Bhutan, nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, generates 99.7% of its electricity fromhydropower. With vast forests acting as natural carbon sinks, Bhutan is one of the few carbon-negative nations globally. The European Investment Bank (EIB) has expressed interest in supporting Bhutan's renewable energy sector development, including solar and hydropower projects, to further strengthen its clean energy capabilities.

Lesotho, a small landlocked country in southern Africa, relies heavily onhydropower, boasting a 99.3% clean energy generation rate. The Muela Hydropower plant plays a crucial role in Lesotho's energy grid, and the country plans to expand its hydropower capacity through projects like the Polihali Dam.

Nepal, home to the mighty Himalayas, has a clean energy generation rate of 98.4%, primarily sourced from hydropower. The country's abundant water resources provide ample opportunities for hydropower production. Nepal has made significant progress in increasing electricity access for its population, supported by investments and a strong focus on renewable energy development.

Ethiopia leads the way in renewable energy production in Africa, with an impressive 98.1% clean energy generation rate. The country harnesses a diverse mix of renewable sources, including hydropower, biomass, solar, wind, and geothermal energy. Ethiopia aims to expand its energy capacity to meet growing demand and drive economic growth while addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

These five countries serve as inspiring examples of clean energy leadership, showcasing the immense potential and benefits of transitioning torenewable energy sources. By leveraging their natural resources and investing in sustainable energy infrastructure, they are not only reducing carbon emissions but also promoting energy security and driving socio-economic development. As the global community intensifies efforts to combat climate change and achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, the successes of Paraguay, Bhutan, Lesotho, Nepal, and Ethiopia offer valuable lessons and motivation for other nations to embrace the renewable energy transition.