Nuclear and Hydro are Top Carbon-free Sources
Europe’s share of electricity from sources that generate little or no carbon dioxide is now at 56%, according to the EIA. France, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland top the list of European “no-carbon” states, with each country generating more than 90% of their net electricity from no-carbon sources in 2012. Eight other countries produce at least 50% of their power from no-carbon sources.
No-carbon generation sources include geothermal, hydroelectric, nuclear, solar (both utility scale and distributed solar), tidal and wind generation. The EIA includes bio-mass in its “no-carbon” mix, although carbon dioxide is emitted during the process of creating energy, it is considered carbon-neutral over its lifespan.
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, International Energy Statistics
The United States generated 32% of its electricity from no-carbon sources in 2012, coming in large part from its fleet of nuclear plants. Europe generated most of its no-carbon electricity from nuclear and hydroelectric sources, along with a smaller portfolio of other renewables. About 30% of Iceland’s total net electricity generation came from geothermal and hydroelectric in 2012, while Denmark generated more than half of its electricity from wind and biomass.
Germany’s overall no-carbon generation share rose only modestly between 2002 and 2012, from 38% to 41%. Part of the small increase is attributed to Germany re-shuffling its portfolio after the Fukushima disaster. It cut its nuclear generation by 12% and raised its share of solar, wind and biomass by 15%.
[sam_ad id=”32″ codes=”true”]
Important disclosures: The information provided herein is believed to be reliable; however, EnerCom, Inc. makes no representation or warranty as to its completeness or accuracy. EnerCom’s conclusions are based upon information gathered from sources deemed to be reliable. This note is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security or financial instrument of any company mentioned in this note. This note was prepared for general circulation and does not provide investment recommendations specific to individual investors. All readers of the note must make their own investment decisions based upon their specific investment objectives and financial situation utilizing their own financial advisors as they deem necessary. Investors should consider a company’s entire financial and operational structure in making any investment decisions. Past performance of any company discussed in this note should not be taken as an indication or guarantee of future results. EnerCom is a multi-disciplined management consulting services firm that regularly intends to seek business, or currently may be undertaking business, with companies covered on Oil & Gas 360®, and thereby seeks to receive compensation from these companies for its services. In addition, EnerCom, or its principals or employees, may have an economic interest in any of these companies. As a result, readers of EnerCom’s Oil & Gas 360® should be aware that the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this note. The company or companies covered in this note did not review the note prior to publication. EnerCom, or its principals or employees, may have an economic interest in any of the companies covered in this report or on Oil & Gas 360®. As a result, readers of EnerCom’s reports or Oil & Gas 360® should be aware that the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this report.
