Sustainability
On the way toward a carbon neutral power industry
The world is not on track...
...to meet the international climate protection goals agreed upon under the so-called “Paris Agreement” from 2015 (UNFCCC). In fact, the overarching goal of limiting global warming to below 1.5ºC is a long way off. In order to reduce the risk of a global climate collapse, the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions is essential.
To achieve the goal, transforming energy production to clean, renewable technologies is necessary. A transition from fossil fuels to low-carbon alternatives is urgently needed.
Global energy-related CO2 emissions rose by 1.7 per cent in 2018, reaching an unprecedented level of 33.1 gigatons of CO2. The rise in CO2 emissions represents the highest growth rate since 2013 and sends an alarming signal three years after the Paris Agreement.
Not all industrialized and emerging countries seem to take the danger of climate change seriously enough. Thus, 169 countries introduced targets for renewable energies at the national or country level by the end of 2018.
Hydropower – the world’s largest source of renewable electricity today
How the Paris Agreement is able to pick up momentum
If the world community does not step up its commitment to the fight against climate change now, there will be no turning back. The phase-out of coal, oil and gas is possible on a global basis. The shift toward renewable energies is essential for achieving global climate targets. Hydropower plays a significant role: it has been used for centuries to generate energy and is still the world’s largest source of renewable electricity today.
Shining examples of sustainable hydropower development
Iceland
Iceland generates 99 per cent of its energy from renewable sources – mainly hydropower and geothermal power. In addition, the plant operators are investing in forward-looking technologies in order to further optimize the maintenance and operation of the power plants. Read more about Budarhals – An ear to the ground.
Canada
Canada’s experts, industry representatives and consumers advocate clean energy. Currently, six Canadian provinces and territories generate more than 94 per cent of their electricity from renewable sources – hydropower is at the forefront.
Role model Australia
The Snowy 2.0 project is currently one of the most important hydropower and pumped storage projects in Australia. As one of the largest pumped storage basins of its kind in the world, it represents an important milestone for Australia on the road to 100 per cent electricity generation from renewable energy sources.
