Welcome to our insightful exploration of the world's urban energy landscapes! In an era where sustainability and clean energy have become paramount, we've compiled two contrasting lists that showcase the cities leading the charge towards a greener future, as well as those still struggling to break free from their dependence on fossil fuels.
The first list highlights the top 50 cities with the least energy dependency on fossil fuels. These innovative urban centers have successfully adopted renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower, as well as implemented energy efficiency measures to reduce their carbon footprint. Their forward-thinking policies and investments in sustainable infrastructure serve as inspiring examples for other cities to follow.
On the other hand, the second list unveils the 50 cities with the highest dependency on fossil fuels. Despite the global shift towards cleaner energy, these cities are still heavily reliant on nonrenewable resources like coal, oil, and natural gas. By spotlighting the challenges they face in transitioning to greener alternatives, we hope to foster greater awareness and support for their efforts to transform their energy landscapes.
As you navigate through our compilation of leading and struggling cities, you'll discover the inspiring stories of cities that are paving the way for a sustainable future and learn about the obstacles that stand in the way of others. Our goal is to spark curiosity, initiate dialogue, and inspire action towards a cleaner, more sustainable world for all.
50 best suburbs in the world
- Reykjavik, Iceland - Reykjavik relies largely on geothermal energy, a natural advantage of Iceland. This city uses this renewable source for both heating and electricity, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels almost entirely.
- Copenhagen, Denmark - Denmark is a world leader in wind energy production, and Copenhagen gets a significant portion of its power from this source. Additionally, the city's carbon-neutral by 2025 plan involves increasing the use of bicycles and public transport to reduce vehicle emissions.
- Stockholm, Sweden - Stockholm uses biofuels generated from sewage and waste, an innovative solution to both waste management and energy production. The city also has hydroelectric power stations and is planning more wind power plants.
- Oslo, Norway - Oslo's electricity comes from hydroelectric power. Additionally, the city has implemented a robust electric vehicle infrastructure, encouraging residents to reduce their personal carbon emissions.
- Vancouver, Canada - Vancouver has a diverse renewable energy portfolio that includes hydroelectric power, wind energy, and solar power. The city's Greenest City 2020 Action Plan also includes measures to reduce emissions from transportation and buildings.
- San Francisco, USA - San Francisco has made significant investments in solar power, both at the municipal and individual level. The city's goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2030 also includes efforts to increase wind energy production.
- Burlington, USA - Burlington has diversified its renewable energy portfolio to include biomass, hydro, wind, and solar power. The city's electric department also has a program that allows residents to purchase renewable energy credits.
- Helsinki, Finland - Helsinki is developing a smart grid system to better integrate renewable energy sources into the city's power supply. The city also uses heat from data centers for district heating, a method of distributing heat by circulating heated water in underground pipes.
- Zurich, Switzerland - Zurich's 2000-watt society goal involves reducing per capita energy use and increasing energy efficiency. The city has a number of hydroelectric power stations, and residents can opt to get their power from 100% renewable sources.
- Amsterdam, Netherlands - Amsterdam has a comprehensive strategy for transitioning to renewable energy, which includes wind turbines, solar panels, and biomass plants. The city also encourages the use of electric vehicles and bicycles to reduce emissions from transportation.
- Berlin, Germany - Berlin's energy transition (Energiewende) involves a significant increase in renewable energy sources, including wind and solar power. The city is also implementing energy-efficient building codes and developing electric vehicle infrastructure.
- Auckland, New Zealand - Auckland aims to be climate-neutral by 2050. The city's strategy involves increasing the use of public transportation and bicycles, as well as investing in renewable energy sources like solar power.
- Barcelona, Spain - Barcelona has implemented solar thermal ordinances, requiring new buildings and major renovations to include solar water heating systems. The city also uses hydroelectric and wind power.
- Basel, Switzerland - Basel has a comprehensive energy strategy that includes hydroelectric power, wind energy, solar power, and geothermal energy. The city aims to reduce per capita energy consumption and increase energy efficiency.
- Portland, USA - Portland uses a mix of renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. The city also encourages green building practices and alternative transportation methods.
- Curitiba, Brazil - Curitiba has implemented a renowned bus rapid transit system, reducing the need for private car use. The city also promotes sustainable urban planning and waste recycling.
- Masdar City, UAE - This planned city near Abu Dhabi aims to be one of the world's most sustainable cities, using solar energy and other renewable resources. It's designed to be a hub for cleantech companies.
- Adelaide, Australia - Adelaide has implemented a solar city initiative, promoting the use of solar power through incentives. The city also encourages the use of energy-efficient appliances and green building practices.
- Freiburg, Germany - Known as an "eco-city," Freiburg has extensive solar power infrastructure and promotes sustainable transport, energy-efficient buildings, and waste reduction.
- Malmö, Sweden - Malmö has transformed its former shipyard into a sustainable city district, Western Harbor, powered entirely by renewable energy. The city is also investing in wind power and biofuels.
- San José, Costa Rica - is known for its extensive use of hydroelectric power, geothermal energy, and other renewables. Costa Rica regularly runs for months at a time using only renewable energy sources.
- Bogotá, Colombia - Bogotá has implemented an extensive bus rapid transit system and promotes bicycle use through a vast network of bike paths, reducing the carbon emissions from transportation.
- Bristol, UK - Bristol was the UK's first city to be awarded European Green Capital. It uses wind energy and solar power, and it aims to reduce carbon emissions through initiatives like the "Bristol Pound" local currency to support local businesses.
- Lisbon, Portugal - Lisbon invests heavily in solar energy and has a plan to plant 100,000 trees to absorb CO2. The city promotes the use of public transportation and bicycles.
- Madrid, Spain - Madrid has focused on reducing air pollution through restrictions on vehicle use in the city center and promoting public transportation, cycling, and walking.
- Vienna, Austria - Vienna uses hydroelectric power extensively and has a strong commitment to public transportation, reducing the city's carbon footprint.
- Singapore - Singapore, though dense, implements vertical solar panels on buildings and has a comprehensive water recycling program. The city-state invests heavily in public transportation and encourages green building practices.
- Munich, Germany - Munich aims to be 100% powered by renewable energy by 2025. The city invests heavily in solar and geothermal energy.
- Hamburg, Germany - Hamburg uses wind energy extensively and promotes the use of public transportation, cycling, and walking, to reduce carbon emissions.
- San Jose, USA - San Jose has made significant strides in green building codes and the use of solar power. The city's Green Vision plan includes goals for renewable energy, water conservation, waste reduction, and green transportation.
- Seattle, USA - Seattle's electricity comes largely from hydroelectric dams, and the city has a commitment to increase the use of solar power.
- Austin, USA - Austin has a plan to be carbon-neutral by 2020. The city's strategy involves increasing the use of renewable energy sources like wind and solar power and reducing emissions from transportation and buildings.
- Glasgow, UK - Glasgow aims to be the UK's first net-zero city. The city is investing in renewable energy infrastructure, including wind and solar power, and promoting electric vehicles and cycling.
- Nantes, France - Nantes was the European Green Capital in 2013. The city has made significant investments in public transportation and promotes the use of bicycles.
- Canberra, Australia - Canberra aims to be carbon-neutral by 2045. The city has made significant investments in wind and solar power.
- Wellington, New Zealand - Wellington aims to be carbon-neutral by 2050. The city promotes the use of public transportation and bicycles, and is investing in renewable energy infrastructure.
- Paris, France - Paris has an extensive plan to reduce carbon emissions, including the promotion of cycling and electric car-sharing, the greening of public spaces, and the renovation of buildings for better energy efficiency.
- Toronto, Canada - Toronto's Green Energy Act stimulates the growth of clean, renewable sources of energy like wind, solar, and bioenergy. The city has a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050.
- Melbourne, Australia - Melbourne's Renewable Energy Project aims to power the city with renewable energy. The city is also focusing on increasing energy efficiency and reducing waste.
- Bangalore, India - Bangalore has a growing solar power sector, due to the "Solar City" project. The city has been encouraging both public and private entities to install rooftop solar panels. The Bangalore Electricity Supply Company has also initiated efforts to purchase solar energy from producers at incentivized rates to promote solar power generation.
- Sydney, Australia - Sydney has set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030. The city has initiatives to increase the use of renewable energy, promote energy efficiency, and encourage green building practices.
- Tokyo, Japan - Tokyo has implemented a cap-and-trade program for carbon emissions, which has resulted in significant energy efficiency improvements. The city also promotes the use of solar power and other renewable energy sources.
- Ljubljana, Slovenia - Named the European Green Capital in 2016, Ljubljana has taken steps to preserve natural areas, promote sustainable transportation, and increase the use of renewable energy.
- Buenos Aires, Argentina - The city has made efforts to modernize its public transportation system to reduce carbon emissions, and it is increasing the use of solar and wind energy.
- Hanoi, Vietnam - Hanoi is investing in solar power and other renewable energy sources to reduce its reliance on coal.
- Santa Monica, USA - Santa Monica has ambitious goals for carbon neutrality and water self-sufficiency. The city promotes solar power, energy efficiency, and sustainable transportation.
- Medellin, Colombia - Medellin has transformed its public transportation system to reduce carbon emissions and is developing its renewable energy infrastructure.
- Bangkok, Thailand - Bangkok is taking steps to increase the use of renewable energy, particularly solar power, and it is promoting energy efficiency in the building sector.
- São Paulo, Brazil - São Paulo has been working to reduce carbon emissions through improved public transportation, recycling programs, and the promotion of renewable energy.
- Montreal, Canada - Montreal is investing in renewable energy infrastructure, promoting energy efficiency, and taking steps to reduce emissions from transportation.
50 worst suburbs in the world
- Houston, USA - Known as the "Energy Capital of the World," Houston hosts many companies in the oil and gas industry. It's not just production; the infrastructure of the city is also reliant on fossil fuels for heating, transportation, and electricity. Texas, in general, has vast natural gas reserves.
- Beijing, China - As of 2021, despite China's significant strides in renewable energy, coal remains a dominant energy source, especially for heating during harsh winters. Beijing, as a major population center, reflects this trend.
- Moscow, Russia - Russia is one of the world's largest exporters of natural gas and oil. Moscow, as its capital and largest city, has an energy infrastructure largely based on these resources.
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Home to the world's largest oil company, Saudi Aramco, Riyadh's energy use is dominated by petroleum. The country's electricity production is primarily fueled by oil and natural gas.
- Los Angeles, USA - Despite California's push for renewable energy, Los Angeles still has a significant reliance on fossil fuels, particularly natural gas for electricity and petroleum for transportation.
- Dubai, UAE - As part of the UAE, a country with significant oil and gas reserves, Dubai's energy infrastructure is heavily based on these fossil fuels. Despite its efforts to embrace solar energy, a large part of its electricity generation still relies on natural gas.
- Jakarta, Indonesia - Indonesia is a major exporter of coal, and Jakarta, as its capital and largest city, has an energy infrastructure that reflects this. The city's electricity grid is primarily powered by coal-fired power plants.
- Delhi, India - Delhi, like many Indian cities, relies heavily on coal for electricity generation. Despite India's push for renewable energy, the transition is gradual and coal remains a significant part of the energy mix.
- London, UK - While the UK has made strides in reducing its coal use, natural gas remains a significant part of the country's energy mix. London, as the largest city, reflects this trend, with natural gas used for heating and electricity generation.
- New York, USA - Despite efforts to increase renewable energy use, New York still relies heavily on natural gas and petroleum. Natural gas is a significant source of electricity and heating, and petroleum is widely used for transportation.
- Seoul, South Korea - South Korea is heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels, particularly coal and natural gas. Seoul, as the capital and largest city, reflects this dependency.
- Cairo, Egypt - Egypt has substantial natural gas reserves, which forms a significant part of Cairo's energy use. Despite the country's efforts to increase renewable energy, natural gas still dominates, especially in electricity generation.
- Mumbai, India - Mumbai, like many cities in India, relies heavily on coal for electricity generation. The city's fast-paced development and population growth have also led to increased energy demands, often met by fossil fuels.
- Istanbul, Turkey - Turkey has considerable coal reserves, and coal forms a substantial part of Istanbul's energy mix. The country also imports natural gas, which is used for heating and electricity generation.
- Johannesburg, South Africa - South Africa is one of the world's largest coal producers, and Johannesburg, as its largest city, reflects this. Despite efforts to increase renewable energy use, coal remains a major source of electricity.
- Shanghai, China - Despite China's significant strides in renewable energy, coal remains a dominant energy source. Shanghai, as one of the country's most populous cities, is heavily influenced by this trend.
- Mexico City, Mexico - Mexico is a significant oil and gas producer, and this is reflected in Mexico City's energy usage. Oil is widely used for transportation, and natural gas is used for electricity generation.
- Manila, Philippines - The Philippines has a mixed energy profile with a significant reliance on coal for electricity generation. Manila, as the capital and the country's most populous city, reflects this dependency.
- Karachi, Pakistan - Karachi, like many cities in Pakistan, relies heavily on natural gas and oil for energy. Despite the country's potential for renewable energy, its transition away from fossil fuels has been slow.
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Malaysia is a significant producer of oil and natural gas, and this is reflected in Kuala Lumpur's energy usage. These fossil fuels are used for transportation, electricity generation, and heating.
- Lima, Peru - Peru is a significant oil and gas producer, and Lima, as the capital and most populous city, reflects this. Oil is widely used for transportation, and natural gas is used for electricity generation.
- Hong Kong, China - Despite being a part of China, Hong Kong has a distinct energy profile. The city relies heavily on imported natural gas and coal for electricity generation.
- Tehran, Iran - Iran is one of the world's largest oil and gas producers, and Tehran's energy usage reflects this. These fossil fuels are used extensively for transportation, heating, and electricity generation.
- Bogota, Colombia - Colombia is a significant oil producer, and Bogota, as the country's capital, mirrors this in its energy use. Oil is widely used for transportation.
- Taipei, Taiwan - Taiwan relies heavily on imported coal and natural gas for its energy needs. Taipei, as the capital and most populous city, reflects this dependency.
- Santiago, Chile - Chile has substantial natural gas reserves, and Santiago, as the capital and most populous city, mirrors this in its energy use. Natural gas is widely used for heating and electricity generation.
- Athens, Greece - Greece relies heavily on imported fossil fuels, particularly oil and natural gas. Athens, as the capital and largest city, reflects this dependency.
- Mosul, Iraq - Iraq is one of the world's largest oil producers, and Mosul, being a large city in the country, reflects this heavy reliance on oil for energy.
- Kuwait City, Kuwait - As one of the world's largest oil producers, Kuwait's energy use is dominated by oil, and Kuwait City is no exception.
- Ankara, Turkey - Turkey has considerable coal reserves and also imports natural gas. Ankara, as the capital city, reflects this energy mix.
- Rome, Italy - Italy is heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels, particularly natural gas and oil. Rome, as the capital, follows this trend, with natural gas used for heating and electricity generation.
- Budapest, Hungary - Hungary relies heavily on imported natural gas for its energy needs. Budapest, as the capital, reflects this dependency.
- Lagos, Nigeria - Nigeria is a major oil producer, and Lagos, as its most populous city, mirrors this heavy reliance on oil for energy, especially for transportation and electricity generation.
- Casablanca, Morocco - Despite Morocco's efforts to increase renewable energy, Casablanca still relies on a mix of oil and coal for electricity and transportation.
- Prague, Czech Republic - The Czech Republic has significant coal reserves, and Prague, as the capital, reflects this in its energy use. Coal is widely used for electricity generation, and oil is used for transportation.
- Warsaw, Poland - Poland is one of the largest coal consumers in Europe. Warsaw, as the country's capital and largest city, has an energy infrastructure that is heavily based on this resource.
- Kiev, Ukraine - Ukraine has substantial coal and natural gas reserves. Kiev, as the capital, mirrors this in its energy use. These resources are used for heating and electricity generation.
- Brussels, Belgium - Belgium relies heavily on imported fossil fuels, particularly oil and natural gas. Brussels, as the capital, reflects this dependency, with natural gas used for heating and electricity generation.
- Algiers, Algeria - Algeria is a significant oil and gas producer, and this is reflected in Algiers' energy usage. These fossil fuels are used for transportation, electricity generation, and heating.
- Sofia, Bulgaria - Bulgaria has significant coal reserves, and Sofia, as the capital, reflects this in its energy use. Coal is widely used for electricity generation.
- Bucharest, Romania - Romania has substantial oil and natural gas reserves. Bucharest, as the capital, mirrors this in its energy use. These resources are used for heating and electricity generation.
- Dublin, Ireland - Ireland is heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels, particularly natural gas and oil. Dublin, as the capital, follows this trend, with natural gas used for heating and electricity generation, and oil for transportation.
- Beirut, Lebanon - Lebanon is heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels, particularly oil and natural gas. Beirut, as the capital, reflects this dependency, with these fuels used for electricity generation, heating, and transportation.
- Tel Aviv, Israel - Israel has significant natural gas reserves, and Tel Aviv, as the largest city, mirrors this in its energy use. Natural gas is widely used for electricity generation.
- Tunis, Tunisia - Tunisia is a significant oil and gas producer, and this is reflected in Tunis' energy usage. These fossil fuels are used for transportation, electricity generation, and heating.
- Belgrade, Serbia - Serbia has substantial coal reserves, and Belgrade, as the capital, mirrors this in its energy use. Coal is widely used for electricity generation.
- Osaka, Japan - After the Fukushima disaster, Japan increased its reliance on fossil fuels, particularly natural gas and coal, for electricity generation. Osaka, as one of the country's most populous cities, reflects this trend.
- Lyon, France - Despite France's heavy reliance on nuclear power for electricity, Lyon still uses a significant amount of oil for transportation and natural gas for heating.
- Abu Dhabi, UAE - As part of the UAE, a country with significant oil and gas reserves, Abu Dhabi's energy infrastructure is heavily based on these fossil fuels, especially for electricity generation and water desalination.
- Doha, Qatar - Qatar is one of the world's largest producers of natural gas, and Doha's energy usage reflects this. Natural gas is used extensively for electricity generation, water desalination, and heating.