[ad_1] Renewable energy is no longer just a trend but has now become a mainstream power source in the global energy mix. In line with this, the adoption of Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) has become an increasingly popular policy driver to encourage the implementation of renewable energy sources around the world. RPS is an incentive policy that sets mandatory targets for utilities to produce or purchase a certain percentage of electricity from renewable sources by a specific date. This is indeed a significant step towards achieving a sustainable energy future, but who will take on the RPS challenge and lead the way for others to follow?

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), at least 156 countries have some form of renewable energy policy in place, and around two-thirds of them have an RPS. However, the level of ambition and commitment to these targets varies significantly among countries. Some countries have set ambitious targets and are on track to achieve them, while others have set less challenging goals or have delayed reaching their targets.

One country that has been at the forefront of the RPS challenge is Sweden. The Swedish government aims to be entirely fossil-free by 2045 and has set a target to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2040. This ambitious goal has resulted in Sweden becoming one of the leading countries in renewable energy deployment, with over 50% of its energy mix generated through renewable sources.

Similarly, Costa Rica has set itself apart as a global leader in renewable energy. In 2019, the country generated 98% of its electricity from renewable sources, with the majority coming from hydropower, wind, and geothermal sources. This achievement was a result of the country’s long-term commitment to renewable energy and its target of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.

China, the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has also demonstrated its commitment to renewable energy and the RPS challenge. The country has set targets to increase the share of non-fossil fuel energy to 15% by 2020 and 20% by 2030. With a rapidly growing economy, China has been investing heavily in renewable energy, and its total installed capacity of wind and solar power is now the largest in the world.

Other countries, such as Germany, have also made significant progress in renewable energy deployment, with over 40% of its electricity generated from renewables in 2019. However, recent policy changes and a shift towards natural gas have slowed down the country’s progress towards meeting its RPS target.

In conclusion, renewable energy is no longer a niche interest but has become a global movement. The adoption of RPS policies has demonstrated the commitment of various countries to achieve a sustainable energy future. However, there are still significant challenges to overcome to achieve these targets, such as regulatory obstacles and the need for significant investment in renewable energy infrastructure. Nevertheless, countries such as Sweden, Costa Rica, and China have demonstrated leadership in this challenge and are paving the way for a more sustainable future.[ad_2]