Unspecified-renewables refer to a category of energy sources that are renewable but do not fall under a specifically outlined subset such as wind, solar, or hydro. This classification is often used when the exact type of renewable source is not detailed, but it is assumed to include sources that contribute to low-carbon electricity generation. It acts as a broad umbrella for various clean energy contributors that prioritize sustainability and environmental protection over fossil fuel-based power generation.
The process of generating electricity using unspecified-renewables generally involves harnessing natural and replenishable resources, similar to how wind, solar, and hydroelectric generators operate. This might include using renewable techniques whose specifics are not explicitly defined but rely on sustainable methods, minimizing carbon emissions throughout the electricity production process. The common aim across these sources is to replace fossil fuel dependency by making use of naturally occurring, abundant resources to generate power cleanly and efficiently.
One of the primary advantages of electricity generated from unspecified-renewables is their low carbon intensity, ranging between 11 and 230 gCO2eq/kWh. This means they contribute significantly fewer greenhouse gases per unit of electricity compared to conventional fossil fuels like coal and oil. For instance, coal emits around 820 gCO2eq/kWh, and oil produces about 650 gCO2eq/kWh. In comparison, renewable and low-carbon sources such as wind, nuclear, and solar generate much cleaner electricity, making them critical in the effort to reduce global carbon emissions and combat climate change.
Currently, unspecified-renewables contribute around NaN% of the world's electricity generation, highlighting the potential for growth in this sector. In regions like the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Czechia, about 1% of electricity is generated from unspecified-renewables, marking a small but meaningful step towards diversifying their energy mix with more low-carbon options. Conversely, some areas such as Wyoming, New Mexico, and Nebraska still have no significant contributions from this category, indicating a great opportunity to improve their electricity generation strategies with sustainable and clean technologies.
By advocating for and investing in low-carbon technologies like nuclear, solar, and other unspecified-renewables, we can pave the way toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. As the demand for electricity continues to rise with advances in technology and industrial growth, especially with the increasing need for electrification and AI, the role of clean energy sources becomes ever more critical. Their expansion not only addresses the pressing concerns of climate change and air pollution but also supports global economic stability by ensuring a reliable and sustainable electricity supply. Embracing these clean energy options is key to enhancing our resilience against the detrimental impacts of fossil fuels while satisfying the increasing global electricity needs.
| Country/Region | kWh/person | % | TWh |
|---|---|---|---|
| Republic of China (Taiwan) | 165.2 W | 1.3% | 3.8 TWh |
| Wyoming | 152.1 W | 0.2% | 0.1 TWh |
| Czechia | 85.7 W | 1.3% | 0.9 TWh |
| New Mexico | 59.8 W | 0.3% | 0.1 TWh |
| Nebraska | 51.5 W | 0.3% | 0.1 TWh |
| Norway | 42.5 W | 0.1% | 0.2 TWh |
| Slovakia | 33.0 W | 0.7% | 0.2 TWh |
| Hawaii | 32.1 W | 0.4% | 0.0 TWh |
| Alaska | 30.2 W | 0.3% | 0.0 TWh |
| Iowa | 25.7 W | 0.1% | 0.1 TWh |
| Vermont | 21.3 W | 0.2% | 0.0 TWh |
| Utah | 20.7 W | 0.2% | 0.1 TWh |
| Belgium | 13.4 W | 0.2% | 0.2 TWh |
| South Dakota | 13.4 W | 0.1% | 0.0 TWh |
| Minnesota | 12.7 W | 0.1% | 0.1 TWh |
| Italy | 11.7 W | 0.3% | 0.7 TWh |
| Michigan | 10.8 W | 0.1% | 0.1 TWh |
| Idaho | 7.0 W | 0.0% | 0.0 TWh |
| EU | 6.4 W | 0.1% | 2.9 TWh |
| Poland | 5.5 W | 0.1% | 0.2 TWh |
| Hungary | 5.2 W | 0.1% | 0.1 TWh |
| Finland | 4.8 W | 0.0% | 0.0 TWh |
| Romania | 4.8 W | 0.2% | 0.1 TWh |
| France | 4.3 W | 0.1% | 0.3 TWh |
| Illinois | 2.9 W | 0.0% | 0.0 TWh |
| Croatia | 2.8 W | 0.1% | 0.0 TWh |
| Florida | 2.4 W | 0.0% | 0.1 TWh |
| Lithuania | 2.2 W | 0.0% | 0.0 TWh |
| Germany | 2.0 W | 0.0% | 0.2 TWh |
| New Hampshire | 2.0 W | 0.0% | 0.0 TWh |
| West Virginia | 2.0 W | 0.0% | 0.0 TWh |
| Rhode Island | 1.9 W | 0.0% | 0.0 TWh |
| Arizona | 1.6 W | 0.0% | 0.0 TWh |
| Spain | 1.4 W | 0.0% | 0.1 TWh |
| Latvia | 0.5 W | 0.0% | 0.0 TWh |
| Estonia | 0.2 W | 0.0% | 0.0 TWh |
| United Kingdom | 0.2 W | 0.0% | 0.0 TWh |
| South Korea | 0.1 W | 0.0% | 0.0 TWh |
| Maine | 0.0 W | 0.0% | 0.0 TWh |
| Nevada | 0.0 W | 0.0% | 0.0 TWh |
| Washington, D.C. | 0.0 W | 0.0% | 0.0 TWh |
| Kentucky | 0.0 W | 0.0% | 0.0 TWh |
| Oregon | 0.0 W | 0.0% | 0.0 TWh |
| North Carolina | 0.0 W | 0.0% | 0.0 TWh |
| Tennessee | 0.0 W | 0.0% | 0.0 TWh |
| Pennsylvania | 0.0 W | 0.0% | 0.0 TWh |
| Louisiana | 0.0 W | 0.0% | 0.0 TWh |
| Maryland | 0.0 W | 0.0% | 0.0 TWh |
| Texas | 0.0 W | 0.0% | 0.0 TWh |