Switzerland’s SolarSuperState Association has published its new global rankings for cumulative wind energy and solar panel capacity.
While Australia hasn’t ranked in the top 10 for either technology, watts-per-person capacity has grown significantly in both; particularly in solar PV.
2012 solar panel capacity (watts per capita) rankings:
1 – Germany – 301
2 – Vatican City – 267
3 – Italy – 210
4 – Liechtenstein – 195
5 – Czech Republic – 185
6 – Belgium – 183
7 – Spain – 93
8 – Slovakia – 87
9 – Luxembourg – 59
10 – Greece – 58
11 – Australia – 57
12 – France – 40
13 – Slovenia – 40
14 – Japan – 38
15 – Switzerland – 27
Australia’s position remains unchanged from last year. However, the number of watts per capita has increased from 22 in 2011’s results to 57 in this year’s rankings.
2012 wind power (watts per capita) rankings:
1 – Denmark – 706
2 – Spain – 459
3 – Portugal – 387
4 – Ireland – 355
5 – Germany – 355
6 – Sweden – 297
7 – Cyprus – 160
8 – Canada – 153
9 – Greece – 151
10 – USA – 150
11 – New Zealand – 141
12 – Estonia – 140
13 – Netherlands – 140
14 – Austria – 129
15 – Italy – 111
While South Australia has massive wind power capacity, it wasn’t enough to boost the nation into the top 15. This year, Australia sits at no.21, down 1 spot from from last year. In 2011’s results, there was 82 watts per capita of cumulative installed capacity – this year, that has increased to 88 watts.
SolarSuperState notes Japan and the USA fared badly in both categories of the competition in terms of the 2012 ranking compared 2011. Netherlands was “the biggest loser” in the wind energy ranking, ranked 13; down from position 7. Honduras mad the biggest jump from rank 137 to 47; overtaking South Korea and Switzerland.
The 2012 rankings are based on cumulative installed capacity per capita as at December 31, 2011.The SolarSuperState Association is based in Zurich and is an international non-profit organization
(via RenewEconomy)
