The Benefits Of Being Resilient For The Planet

Hello everyone!

This is Amy’s Hot Topic of the week.

Last week we talked about how the UK is preparing to switch to greener electricity and what lengths it will take to do so. This week I want to look at the IEA’s (International Energy Agency) monthly electricity statistics from November 2023 (I promise it is not boring for those who don’t like statistics).

Watts Up With The Numbers? Let’s Talk Stats

There are a few things to look at, such as net electricity production and electricity production of fossil fuel sources, renewable energy, and nuclear power. It is important to see what changed within the year, why it changed and what countries are doing it well. This can be great to see methods that work to help the planet and inspiring to know that it is possible.

First, net electricity production. In the Organisation for Economic and Co-operation Development (OECD) countries, net electricity production increased from November 2022 to November 2023 by 1.6% over the year in 38 countries.

Although we would prefer this to decrease, there is a positive. The net electricity production of renewable energy was, once again, higher than the previous year. This is a trend that has been remaining consistent, which is amazing. The more renewable energy the better. This has been driven by higher production in wind and solar power. In the OECD countries in Europe, a large increase in renewable energy production came from hydro power, largely because Europe experienced a lot more rain than usual during summer 2023 (as I’m sure you know).

This is hugely inspiring and should give aspirations to start or continue to use renewable energy sources. We can see many efforts by individuals, communities, countries and companies around the world to make the planet greener.

Ørsted Wind Farms

An example of this is the Ørsted wind farm. The company owns 12 operational wind farms in the UK and are planning another one. There have been many difficulties after the Chief Executive Mads Nipper decided to part ways with two US projects that would have been multibillion-dollar earners. Bibby said he will “fight with everything I’ve got” to restore investor confidence. There has been great staff turnover in the company, rising interest rates and supply chain strains. The rising interest rates have a big impact on offshore wind farms with their high upfront cost.

Ørsted officially said they would slow down the development of floating offshore wind power generation. However, the point I would like to make is that despite these many setbacks, the Danish energy company has stood by their mission for renewable energy. They see that it is vital to invest in alternative ways to produce and consume energy.

Being Resilient For The Planet

This is the attitude many people have globally, and I implore all to have it as well. Resilience is extremely important in all life, but especially with those who strive to live life more sustainably, more energy efficient, more green. So, take the first step toward living life under 2 kWh per person per day. Do this, and we will see more positive data to show our sustainability for years to come.

I hope everyone had a lovely week, and I will see you next week for another Amy’s Hot Topic.

Bye! #2kWh #undertwok

References:
IEA monthly electricity statistics including November 2023 data.
Financial Times – Ørsted chief vows to fight ‘with everything I’ve got’ to revive fortunes – Rachel Millard – February 13th 2024.