When we think of European countries that have made notable strides towards clean energy, Germany, Holland, as well as the Scandinavian nations of Sweden, Norway and Denmark come to mind. But in reality, this transition process is gathering pace elsewhere.
Spain, for instance, has increased the use of wind and solar power from 2 per cent to about 20 per cent in a decade. But the most powerful example was set by Portugal last week when the country was powered by renewable energy for four days straight.
The fact that Portugal has managed to realise this feat – seen as a “harbinger of what will become reality in the near future, which will be 365 days a year,” according to one official – means other nations can also achieve rapid energy transformation. Residents in our country, which leads the way in the region with clean technologies, should take note. It’s no longer an option but a necessity as we try to cope with the impact of finite oil and climate change.