Renewable energy sources have become increasingly popular around the world, with solar energy being one of the most promising. The United Kingdom (UK) is one country that has been investing heavily in solar energy over the past few years. But which country uses the most solar energy in 2020? Let’s find out.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), China is the leading country in solar energy production, with a capacity of 205 GW in 2020. It is followed by the United States with 75 GW and Japan with 63 GW. However, it is important to note that these countries have a much larger population and land area than the UK. Therefore, when looking at solar energy production per capita and per unit of land, the UK is one of the top players.
In 2020, the UK had a total solar energy capacity of 14.5 GW, which is enough to power over 4 million homes. This is a significant increase from the 2.8 GW capacity in 2013. Solar energy now accounts for about 5% of the UK’s total electricity generation, and this figure is expected to continue to rise in the coming years.
One of the reasons for the increase in solar energy production in the UK is the government’s commitment to renewable energy. In 2019, the UK became the first major economy to pass a law requiring net-zero emissions by 2050. This means that the country will have to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to zero by this date. To achieve this, the government has set a target of generating 40 GW of solar energy by 2030.
The government has also introduced several policies to encourage solar energy production. The Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme, for example, provides financial incentives to households and businesses that generate their own renewable energy. The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme provides support for renewable heat technologies, such as solar thermal panels, which can be used to heat water.
In addition to government support, falling costs have also made solar energy more attractive. The cost of solar panels has dropped by over 80% since 2010, making it a more affordable option for households and businesses. Solar energy also has the advantage of being a decentralized source of energy, which means that it can be generated and consumed locally, reducing the need for long-distance transmission.
The UK’s solar energy industry is also supported by a strong supply chain. There are over 4,000 companies involved in the manufacture, installation, and maintenance of solar panels, providing employment for over 20,000 people. This has helped to boost the UK’s economy and create new jobs in the renewable energy sector.
In conclusion, while China is the leading country in solar energy production in 2020, the UK is one of the top players when looking at solar energy production per capita and per unit of land. The UK has made significant progress in increasing its solar energy capacity over the past few years, and the government’s commitment to renewable energy and falling costs have made it an attractive option for households and businesses. With the right policies and investments, the UK’s solar energy industry is likely to continue to grow in the coming years, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create new jobs in the process.
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