The Rise of Renewable Energy – Part 1: How four countries are reshaping energy security

This is important because about 20% of the world’s gas and oil supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The narrow waterway separating Iran and Oman, which has been largely closed to maritime traffic since the outbreak of the current conflict in the Middle East.

The disruption of these supplies has exposed countries to sharp price fluctuations, geopolitical shocks, and disruptions in supply chains.

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, said: “The turmoil we are witnessing in the Middle East clearly demonstrates that we are facing a global energy system closely linked to fossil fuels, where energy supplies are concentrated in a few limited regions, and every conflict carries the risk of sending shock waves that hit the global economy, especially affecting the most vulnerable groups of people.”.

Renewable energy sources – such as sun, wind, and hydro – provide stable, locally sourced energy that becomes increasingly cost-effective over time.

They are also rapidly overtaking fossil fuels (such as oil and gas) to become the backbone of modern energy systems. Not only for climate reasons, but also because of security and economic flexibility.

essential pillar

The Secretary-General of the United Nations said last July: “Renewable energy has already nearly equaled fossil fuels in terms of installed electricity capacity globally.”adding that “There are no sudden price spikes for sunshine, and no bans or penalties on wind.”.

Guterres stressed that renewable energy sources are now emerging “The fundamental foundation of energy security and sovereignty”.

Moreover, renewable energy contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing pollution, creating jobs, and reducing costs in the long term; It is an integrated combination that pushes towards a global transformation, the features of which have already become clear in a number of leading countries in this field.

Norway: Hydropower is its backbone, and dependence on oil is disappearing

Norway remains a major exporter of oil and gas, but domestically its electrical system has become heavily dependent on renewable energy sources, ensuring a stable energy supply under full national control.

Energy mix:

🔹Hydroelectricity dominates (accounting for about 90-95% of electricity generation).

🔹A growing wind energy sector.

🔹Very limited use of fossil fuels in power generation.

Norway is making progress towards achieving a complete transformation, including the electrification of the transportation sector, the expansion of offshore wind farms, and a gradual shift away from the use of fossil fuels in domestic sectors.

Paraguay: a superpower in renewable electricity

Paraguay is one of the world’s leading countries in the field of clean energy, as it generates all of its electrical network needs from renewable sources, especially hydroelectric energy.

Energy mix:

🔹Nearly 100% of hydroelectric power (comes from joint bilateral dams, such as Itaipu Dam).

🔹Insignificant use of fossil fuels in generating electricity, although the transportation sector still depends on fossil fuels.

Thanks to its abundance of hydroelectric resources, Paraguay enjoys very low-cost electricity, energy independence, as well as revenues from exporting its surplus energy.

Nepal: Hydropower is transforming people’s lives

Nepal has witnessed a rapid expansion in hydropower, and now relies almost entirely on renewable sources to generate electricity for its national grid, although the transportation sector still relies on fossil fuels.

Energy mix:

🔹Dominated by hydroelectric power.

🔹Small-scale – but growing – solar and mini-hydroelectric systems.

🔹 Declining dependence on imported fossil fuels to generate electricity.

United Nations data indicate that about 98% of Nepal’s total electrical capacity comes from renewable sources.

Hydropower reduces Nepal’s dependence on imported fuel and helps stabilize energy supplies in a mountainous country that faces infrastructure challenges.

This landlocked country is currently working to expand the scope of electrification of rural areas, develop decentralized renewable energy systems, as well as shift from the use of traditional firewood for cooking to cleaner energy sources, which contributes to reducing household pollution, which particularly affects women and children.

Ethiopia: Renewable energy expands access and opportunities

Ethiopia is emerging as a leading renewable energy country in Africa, with a system dominated by hydropower and expanding use of solar energy.

Energy mix:

🔹Large-scale hydroelectric power from major dams.

🔹Growing capacity for solar and wind energy.

🔹Minimum electricity generation from fossil fuels.

UN data indicates that more than 98% of Ethiopia’s energy generation capacity is from renewable sources.

Renewable energy is an essential element of Ethiopia’s strategy to achieve universal access to electricity, especially for communities far from the national grid, in order to reduce dependence on imported fuel and support economic development.

Conclusion

In widely varying geographies, from hydropower-rich Norway and Paraguay to developing economies such as Nepal and Ethiopia, a common pattern emerges for renewable energy sources:

⬅️ Promotes energy independence.

⬅️ It contributes to stabilizing costs and reducing vulnerability to global crises.

⬅️ It brings tangible benefits to people, from job opportunities to health to opportunities.

This transition remains uneven, and challenges remain, particularly in the areas of financing and infrastructure.

But as the Secretary-General said, “The transformation of the energy sector is inevitable. Renewable energy can empower individuals and governments, literally and figuratively.”.

Of course, not all countries have reliable sources of hydroelectric and solar energy, nor do they have the necessary financing to exploit these renewable options.

In the second part of this article on renewable energy, we tell you more about how other countries with fewer natural resources and larger populations are pursuing energy security.