Fact Check: smart countries don't use solar or wind

Fact Check: "Smart Countries Don't Use Solar or Wind"

What We Know

The claim that "smart countries don't use solar or wind" is not supported by current data on renewable energy usage globally. As of 2023, wind power accounts for approximately 7.8% of worldwide electricity usage, with Europe leading at 12.3% of its electricity generated from wind. Countries like Denmark have made significant strides, producing 58% of their electricity from wind. Furthermore, the global trend indicates that many nations are increasingly relying on renewable energy sources, with countries such as Denmark and Uruguay generating 61% and 44% of their electricity from wind and solar respectively.

In addition, the rapid growth of wind and solar energy has been observed worldwide, with countries like China and India leading in installed capacity. China alone accounted for over 40% of the world's wind capacity in 2023. The global average for electricity generation from wind and solar is around 10%, with many countries, including India, Japan, and Brazil, contributing significantly to this figure.

Analysis

The assertion that "smart countries don't use solar or wind" overlooks the substantial evidence of the increasing adoption of these renewable energy sources by many nations. The data from credible sources indicates that countries recognized for their technological advancements and sustainability efforts are, in fact, heavily investing in wind and solar energy. For instance, Denmark's impressive 58% reliance on wind energy showcases a commitment to renewable energy that contradicts the claim.

Moreover, the report from Ember highlights that wind and solar energy produced 2,435 TWh of electricity in 2020, which is nearly 10% of the world's electricity. This growth reflects a global shift towards renewable energy, contradicting the idea that intelligent nations avoid these technologies.

The sources used in this analysis are credible and provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of renewable energy. The data is sourced from reputable organizations and studies, including Ember's Global Electricity Review and statistics from the Technical University of Denmark. These sources are reliable as they are based on extensive research and data collection.

Conclusion

Verdict: False
The claim that "smart countries don't use solar or wind" is false. The evidence clearly shows that many countries, including those recognized for their innovation and sustainability, are actively utilizing and expanding their wind and solar energy capacities. The increasing percentages of electricity generated from these renewable sources in various nations demonstrate a global trend towards embracing renewable energy, which contradicts the assertion made in the claim.

Sources

1. Wind power by country
2. Top 15 Wind and Solar Power Countries in 2020 - Ember
3. Smart Cities. Top 10 Countries Using Renewable Energy.
4. Top 50 Countries That Use the Most Solar Power as a ...
5. 11 countries leading the charge on renewable energy
6. Chart: Which countries get the most power from solar…
7. Interesting Chart: How Much Solar or Wind Dominate Renewable ...
8. These 8 Countries Scaled Renewable Energy the Fastest