The picture illustrates the proportion of renewable energy used in relation to total energy consumption in six different countries: Finland, Denmark, France, Germany, the US, and the UK, over a 40-year period starting from 1971.
Overall, there was a notable increase in renewable energy usage across all surveyed nations, with the UK experiencing the most significant rise. Additionally, Finland consistently had the highest figures throughout the timeline provided.
In 1971, Finland recorded the highest proportion of renewable energy usage at nearly 25%, leading among the six countries. However, between 1986 and 1991, Finland’s figures fluctuated, dropping to about 16% before rising to 23% in 2011. The most substantial growth was observed in the US, which started with a very low percentage close to zero in 1971 but skyrocketed to 18% in 2011, ranking just behind Finland on the chart. Denmark also witnessed similar changes, with its percentage of renewable energy usage starting at 15% in 1971 before fluctuating upward to reach a high of 17% after 40 years.
In terms of countries with lower percentages, Germany and France began with renewable energy usage rates of 5% and 8% in 1971, respectively, rising to approximately 14% and 15% by 2011. Similarly, the UK started with a mere 1% renewable energy usage in 1971; after 40 years, this figure increased steadily to 5%.