The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that by the end of this decade, half of the world’s energy production will come from renewable sources. However, this goal is now seen as less achievable than previously expected. The global demand for energy continues to grow, urging countries to accelerate their renewable energy projects and support regions that are falling behind. Serbia, in particular, is setting ambitious targets.
Currently, Serbia generates around 38% of its energy from renewable sources, with plans to increase this share to 45% by 2030. New wind farms and large solar power plants are already under construction, with the country also leveraging its thermal power plant ash pits for further renewable energy development. According to Gligo Vuković, Program Manager for Energy at the EU Mission in Serbia, these efforts showcase how existing infrastructure, human resources, and transmission systems can be optimized to boost renewable energy production while gradually reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Diverse contributions of EU member states
The European Union (EU) generated half of its electricity from renewable sources in the first half of the year, but the contribution of its member states varies.
Belgium, for instance, is building an energy island in the North Sea, which will store electricity from wind farms to power three million households. On the other hand, Sweden, a leader in green energy production, has recently decided to halt wind farm projects in the Baltic Sea due to military concerns. “The Swedish government has decided to reject projects for 13 wind farms along the coast of the Baltic Sea, based on the grounds that their installation would have unacceptable consequences for Sweden’s defense,” said Romina Purmoktari, Minister of Climate and Environment.
The UAE’s green energy boom
In a surprising turn, the oil-rich United Arab Emirates (UAE) is also pushing for a green energy revolution. The UAE is preparing to integrate artificial intelligence across its energy sector, with investments of approximately one and a half billion dollars per year. “We aim to optimize energy sources, predict peaks and troughs in demand, and improve battery storage,” said Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technologies of the UAE.
“We work in over 40 countries, promoting renewable energy and investing. We’ve shown these countries how this transformation works and how it benefits their economies,” added Suhail Al Mazroui, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure.
Global leaders in green energy
China, the European Union, and the United States remain the top producers of green energy, collectively accounting for more than 80% of global renewable energy production.
