A report into the world’s cities found 100 of them get 70% of their electricity from renewable sources. Hobart renewable electricity use meant that it made that list.
The report by CDP collated data from 570 cities on their use of hydro, geothermal, wind and solar power.
According to the World Economic Forum, unsubsidised renewables were the cheapest source of electricity in 30 countries in 2017. It predicts renewable sources will be consistently more cost effective than fossil fuels globally by 2020.
Hobart renewable electricity use puts it #1 in Australia
Hobart was the only Australian city to make the list. As Tasmanians head to the polls tomorrow, Labor has unveiled a $32.5 million four-year energy policy, setting a target to generate more than “120 per cent” of Tasmania’s energy needs from renewables. The Hobart renewable electricity accolade makes that all the more feasible.
Renewables cheapest power in 30 countries
Hydropower is now used in 275 cities, with 189 also generating electricity from wind and 184 using solar PV. An additional 164 also use biomass and 65 access geothermal energy.
Cities named by CDP as already powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity include:
- Burlington, US: Vermont’s largest city has its own utility and citywide grid.
- Reykjavik, Iceland: sources all its electricity from hydropower and geothermal.
- Basel, Switzerland: has its own energy company, which sources electricity from hydropower and wind.
Renewable energy cities movement growing
In addition to data analysis, the report also found a growing momentum of the renewable energy cities movement. In the United States, 58 cities and towns have committed to transition to 100 per cent clean, renewable energy.
However, the most renewable energy intensive cities (57%) are in South America. Europe follows with 20 per cent and 9 per cent in both North America and Africa.
Much of the drive behind city climate action and reporting comes from the 7,000-plus mayors signed up to the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy who have pledged to act on climate change.
Cities account for 70% of all CO2 emissions
Due to the growing interest in solar power globally, a corresponding interest in solar installation quotes is emerging. Kyra Appleby, Director of Cities at CDP, said cities account for 70 per cent of energy-related CO2 emissions.
“Reassuringly, our data shows much commitment and ambition,” she said. “Cities not only want to shift to renewable energy but, most importantly – they can.
“We urge all cities to disclose to us, work together to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement and prioritise the development of ambitious renewable energy procurement strategies. The time to act is now.”
