Cities are increasingly reporting that they are powered by renewable electricity, according to data published today by CDP. The global environmental impact non-profit CDP, holds information from over 570 of the world’s cities and names over 100 (see list below) now getting at least 70% of their electricity from renewable sources such as hydro, geothermal, solar and wind.

According to the World Economic Forum, unsubsidized renewables were the cheapest source of electricity in 30 countries in 2017, with renewables predicted to be consistently more cost effective than fossil fuels globally by 2020.

Cities named by CDP as already powered by 100% renewable electricity include:

  • Burlington, USA: Vermont’s largest city now obtains 100% of its electricity from wind, solar, hydro, and biomass.
  • Reykjavik, Iceland: sources all electricity from hydropower and geothermal, and is now working to make all cars and public transit fossil-free by 2040.
  • Basel, Switzerland: is 100% renewable powered by its own energy supply company. Most electricity comes from hydropower and 10% from wind. Advocating clear political vision and will, in May 2017 Switzerland voted to phase out nuclear power in favor of renewable energy.

CDP’s 2017 data highlights how cities are stepping up action on climate change with a sharp rise in environmental reporting, emissions reduction targets and climate action plans since 2015, following the ground-breaking Paris Agreement to limit global warming to below 2 degrees.

Kyra Appleby, Director of Cities, CDP said: “Cities are responsible for 70% of energy-related CO2 emissions and there is immense potential for them to lead on building a sustainable economy. Reassuringly, our data shows much commitment and ambition.

Showing a diverse mix of energy sources, 275 cities are now reporting the use of hydropower, with 189 generating electricity from wind and 184 using solar photovoltaics. An additional 164 use biomass and 65 geothermal.

Read the full article about cities using renewable energy from CDP at TriplePundit.