New York: Europe and the Arabs

The ongoing instability in the Middle East, a region that produces a significant portion of the world's oil and gas, is prompting many countries to focus on securing affordable and reliable energy supplies, primarily through renewable energy sources. This was reported in the UN's daily news bulletin on Saturday morning.

This is particularly important because approximately 20% of the world's oil and gas supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway separating Iran and Oman, which has been largely closed to maritime traffic since the outbreak of the current conflict in the Middle East.

Disruptions to these supplies have exposed countries to sharp price fluctuations, geopolitical shocks, and supply chain disruptions.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated, "The turmoil we are witnessing in the Middle East clearly demonstrates that we are facing a global energy system that is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, where energy supplies are concentrated in a limited number of regions, and every conflict carries the risk of sending shockwaves through the global economy, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable people." Renewable energy sources—such as solar, wind, and hydropower—provide stable, locally sourced energy that is becoming increasingly cost-effective over time.

They are rapidly surpassing fossil fuels (such as oil and gas) to become the backbone of modern energy systems, not only for climate reasons but also because of their security and economic resilience.

A cornerstone

The UN Secretary-General said last July, “Renewable energy is already on par with fossil fuels in terms of installed electricity capacity globally,” adding that “there are no sudden price spikes for solar power, and no bans or sanctions on wind power.”

Guterres emphasized that renewable energy sources are now “the cornerstone of energy security and sovereignty.”

Moreover, renewable energy contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating pollution, creating jobs, and lowering costs in the long run—a combination driving a global transformation already evident in several leading countries in this field.

Norway: Hydropower is its backbone, and dependence on oil is fading.

Norway remains a major exporter of oil and gas, but domestically, its electricity system has become heavily reliant on renewable energy sources, ensuring a stable energy supply under its complete national control.

Energy Mix:
Hydropower dominates (accounting for approximately 90-95% of electricity generation).

A growing wind energy sector.

Very limited use of fossil fuels for power generation.

Norway is making progress towards a complete transformation, including the electrification of the transport sector, the expansion of offshore wind farms, and a gradual shift away from fossil fuels in domestic sectors.

Paraguay: A Renewable Powerhouse
Paraguay is one of the world's leading clean energy countries, generating its entire electricity grid from renewable sources, particularly hydropower.

Energy Mix:
Nearly 100% hydropower (from shared twin dams, such as the Itaipu Dam). Negligible use of fossil fuels for electricity generation, although the transport sector remains reliant on them.

Thanks to its abundant hydropower resources, Paraguay enjoys extremely low-cost electricity, energy independence, and revenue from exporting its surplus energy.

Nepal: Hydropower Transforms Lives
Nepal has experienced rapid hydropower expansion and now relies almost entirely on renewable sources for electricity generation for its national grid, although the transport sector still depends on fossil fuels.

Energy Mix:
Dominated by hydropower.

Small-scale, though growing, solar and micro-hydropower systems.

Reliance on imported fossil fuels for electricity generation has declined.

UN data indicates that approximately 98% of Nepal's total electricity capacity comes from renewable sources.

Hydropower is reducing Nepal's reliance on imported fuels and helping to stabilize energy supplies in a mountainous country facing infrastructure challenges.

This landlocked nation is currently expanding rural electrification, developing decentralized renewable energy systems, and transitioning from traditional firewood for cooking to cleaner energy sources, thus reducing household pollution that disproportionately affects women and children.

Ethiopia: Renewable Energy Expands Access and Opportunities
Ethiopia is emerging as a leader in renewable energy in Africa, with a system dominated by hydropower and expanding solar power.

Energy Mix:
Large-scale hydropower from major dams.

Growing solar and wind power capacity.

Minimum fossil fuel power generation.

UN data indicates that over 98% of Ethiopia's power generation capacity comes from renewable sources.

Renewable energy is a key element in Ethiopia’s strategy to achieve universal access to electricity, particularly for communities far from the national grid, in order to reduce dependence on imported fuel and support economic development.                                                                                                              

In summary, across vastly different geographical regions, from hydropower-rich Norway and Paraguay to developing economies like Nepal and Ethiopia, a common pattern emerges for renewable energy sources:

They promote energy independence.

They contribute to cost stability and reduce vulnerability to global crises.

They deliver tangible benefits to people, from jobs and health to opportunities.

This transition remains uneven, and challenges persist, particularly in the areas of finance and infrastructure.

But as the Secretary-General has said, “The energy transition is inevitable. Renewable energy has the power to empower people and governments, literally and figuratively.”

Of course, not all countries have reliable sources of hydropower and solar energy, nor do they have the necessary financing to harness these renewable options.