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Renewable energy

Whether wind, solar or hydropower — renewable energy is booming worldwide. Sun, wind, water, biogas and biomass are readily available and can sustainably supply us with clean energy.

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All Content on this topic

Donald Trump speaks in front of US and international flags during a press appearance

Donald Trump speaks in front of US and international flags during a press appearance

Fact check: Trump repeats false claims at speech before UN

Speaking before the UN, US President Donald Trump repeated a series of claims that have long been proven to be false.

Drone shot of a hydroelectric power plant surrounded by green nature in Austria.

Drone shot of a hydroelectric power plant surrounded by green nature in Austria.

Austria: New waves in hydropower solutions

Two inventors in Austria have devised fish-friendly, eco-smart twists on traditional hydropower.

Image of the rising water level of Lake Turkana in Kenya

Image of the rising water level of Lake Turkana in Kenya

How Kenya's north is tackling water insecurity

Water security in Kenya, women in Gambia fight for a greener future, recycling German-style, and hydropower in Austria.

Several boats — some large, some small — and a floating platform can be seen on the sea. The boats are connected by a cable surrounded by tires floating on the surface of the water

Several boats — some large, some small — and a floating platform can be seen on the sea. The boats are connected by a cable surrounded by tires floating on the surface of the water

Greece-Cyprus-Israel subsea power link faces major obstacles

A subsea electric cable project seeking to connect Greece, Cyprus and Israel seems to be hanging in the balance.

Giant loops of solar material overlying the middle of the sun over the region where the solar flare originated

Giant loops of solar material overlying the middle of the sun over the region where the solar flare originated

Can solar flares harm Earth's technology?

Solar flares can significantly impact the functioning of technology on Earth — and our health.

On the side of a train, a sign read: H2 roes Rail

On the side of a train, a sign read: H2 roes Rail

Is the green hydrogen dream over?

Long been hyped as the key to decarbonizing big industries like steel, green hydrogen energy investments have dried up.

A solar flare in the center of the sun

A solar flare in the center of the sun

The 2025 solar storm peak. Should we be worried?

Strong solar storms can wipe out our internet infrastructure or disrupt aviation signals and petroleum pipelines.

A gas storage facility in Haldach, Austria, on August 2, 2022

A gas storage facility in Haldach, Austria, on August 2, 2022

Is Europe prepared for winter despite lower gas supplies?

With Trump's tariff threats on Russian energy buyers and no gas transiting Ukraine, can Europe breathe a sigh of relief?

A view of two rows of servers with hundreds of blue LEDs in Google's data center in Atlanta, GA

A view of two rows of servers with hundreds of blue LEDs in Google's data center in Atlanta, GA

Data centers and the global water crisis

Local communities are up in arms about Big Tech's growing thirst of water amid the AI boom.

Presenter Lolade Adewuyi superimposed on a birds eye view of a mine.

Presenter Lolade Adewuyi superimposed on a birds eye view of a mine.

Africa's critical minerals dilemma explained

Africa powers the tech world with critical minerals from across the continent. But who really profits?

Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed delivers his remarks during the official inauguration ceremony of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam

Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed delivers his remarks during the official inauguration ceremony of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam

Ethiopia's Grand Renaissance Dam inaugurated

Africa's largest hydroelectric project promises an "energy revolution," but it's also stoked fears in Egypt and Sudan.

An Ethiopian flag flying infront of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) in Guba, Ethiopia.

An Ethiopian flag flying infront of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) in Guba, Ethiopia.

Deaths, dollars, disputes: Ethiopia's GERD mega dam

Did 15,000 people die during GERD's construction? And why doesn't Ethiopia recognize the 1959 Nile Water treaty?

A composite image shows workers walking near the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (bg) and DW's reporter gesturing as she speaks in the studio (fg)

A composite image shows workers walking near the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (bg) and DW's reporter gesturing as she speaks in the studio (fg)

Why Ethiopia's mega dam is causing tensions with Egypt

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam could lift millions out of poverty — but it's also sparking regional tensions.

Workers are seen at the site of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, examining equipment inside the hydropower plant. All are wearing white hard hats. A huge Ethiopian flag is seen in the background

Workers are seen at the site of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, examining equipment inside the hydropower plant. All are wearing white hard hats. A huge Ethiopian flag is seen in the background

Egypt, Sudan worry about water as Ethiopia's mega dam opens

A new mega dam aims to double Ethiopia's electricity output. But the dam has long caused tension with Sudan and Egypt.

Solar panels on rooftops in Rio de Janeiro

Solar panels on rooftops in Rio de Janeiro

Fighting the climate crisis in Rio's favelas

Solar energy is unaffordable for many in Rio's low-income neighborhoods, but that's slowly changing.

Three tourists on the sunny deck of a solar-powered boat in Berlin, Germany.

Three tourists on the sunny deck of a solar-powered boat in Berlin, Germany.

Green tourism: How Berlin is leading the way

Germany's capital draws millions yearly and is easing the strain with eco-hotels, solar boats and sheep-grazed parks.

How green innovation is changing the planet

Hydrogen, floating solar, and geothermal energy — harbingers of a greener future.

The Maanshan nuclear power plant, located on Taiwan's southern coast

The Maanshan nuclear power plant, located on Taiwan's southern coast

Taiwan's nuclear referendum reveals energy dilemma

Taiwan's nuclear vote highlights the struggle to balance energy security, environmental risks and geopolitical threats.

A farmer in a corn field holding a stake

A farmer in a corn field holding a stake

India: Can solar-powered cold storage save crops in Bihar?

Extreme heat is the enemy of farmers across the world, but a new solar technology can make scorching summers their ally.

A person wearing an orange hi-vis vest stands at the side of the Souapiti dam in Guinea

A person wearing an orange hi-vis vest stands at the side of the Souapiti dam in Guinea

Energy crisis: Can Africa's mega dams unite the continent?

Some dams spark disputes, while others build bridges — literally and politically.

Swiss pilot Raphael Domjan reacts from the cockput with pumped fists after receiving the news that he beat the altitude record for a solar-powered electric plane.

Swiss pilot Raphael Domjan reacts from the cockput with pumped fists after receiving the news that he beat the altitude record for a solar-powered electric plane.

Swiss pilot breaks record for highest solar-powered flight

He took off from an airport in Switzerland, where he was able to take advantage of warm air thermals.

Two protesters in white coats outside a bank hold up placards reading 'Invest in biodiversity not oil'

Two protesters in white coats outside a bank hold up placards reading 'Invest in biodiversity not oil'

Trillions for oil: Why investors won't go green

Investors are still injecting trillions into the fossil fuel industry despite pledging to divest for the climate.

Two people talking, standing on a flat roof with solar systems.

Two people talking, standing on a flat roof with solar systems.

The green mirage: Is any energy in Tamil Nadu sustainable?

Abandoned solar panels, failed wind turbines – Tamil Nadu’s green energy dreams are faltering. Was it all greenwashing?

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Local solutions to ecological problems | Eco Africa

Protecting ecosystems in Gambia, going solar in Zambia, cool construction in Mali and battling oil drilling in Uganda.

Go green — stay powered | Eco India

From environmentally friendly politics to producing clean energy to building a cleaner future: going green is essential.

A hand operating a DJ's console

A hand operating a DJ's console

Ugandan DJ gets into green groove with solar power

Kampala’s DJ Decimal Point powers his beats with solar energy—spinning tunes and promoting clean, green living.

Rice farmer Sinnathurai Chitravelayutham and another villager Kirubanantharajah stand next to a fence in Sampur in eastern Sri Lanka's Trincomalee District

Rice farmer Sinnathurai Chitravelayutham and another villager Kirubanantharajah stand next to a fence in Sampur in eastern Sri Lanka's Trincomalee District

Sri Lanka: Farmers fight solar plans on ancestral lands

Tamil farmers say the plans for a solar plant in eastern Sri Lanka will use land that was seized during the civil war.

An LNG tanker

An LNG tanker

US-EU trade deal could lock bloc into fossil fuel dependency

Critics say Europe's $750-billion energy deal with the US could risk climate goals and energy security if it goes ahead.

Clothes are hung out to dry on a bank of the River Brahmaputra at Guwahati in India’s northeastern state of Assam (2012 file)

Clothes are hung out to dry on a bank of the River Brahmaputra at Guwahati in India’s northeastern state of Assam (2012 file)

Should India worry about China's massive dam?

China's construction of a massive dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo has raised fears in India over water flows and security.

A deep-sea mineral sample collected by China's heavy-duty mining vehicle "Pioneer II" is shown in the palm of an outstretched hand

A deep-sea mineral sample collected by China's heavy-duty mining vehicle "Pioneer II" is shown in the palm of an outstretched hand

Nations discuss deep-sea mining at Jamaica summit

Deep-sea mining has not yet begun, but scientists and experts are warning of environmental and political consequences.

A drawing of a planet on a black board, a hand holding a tool to fix the inner wheels of the planet

A drawing of a planet on a black board, a hand holding a tool to fix the inner wheels of the planet

Humans are using more resources than the planet can restore

Little more than half a year into 2025, mankind has already hit Earth Overshoot Day. Are there ways to slow this down?

Members of Bangladesh Air Force work at the crash site, after an air force training aircraft crashed into a building belong to Milestone School and College campus, in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Members of Bangladesh Air Force work at the crash site, after an air force training aircraft crashed into a building belong to Milestone School and College campus, in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Bangladesh jet crash renews debate on training over cities

A jet crash during exercises has drawn calls to relocate bases and training from densely populated areas.

A women and young man wearing blankets in the foreground. In the background is a damaged metro station.

A women and young man wearing blankets in the foreground. In the background is a damaged metro station.

Renewed Russian airstrikes on Kyiv

Ukrainian officials say four Kyiv districts were hit in the latest round of Russian attacks.

Jets of silicon monoxide blowing away from the baby star HOPS-315

Jets of silicon monoxide blowing away from the baby star HOPS-315

Astronomers capture dawn of new solar system for 1st time

The discovery of rocky planet formation offers a rare vision of how Earth-like worlds may start to form.

A view from afar of the furnaces of a steel works.

A view from afar of the furnaces of a steel works.

ArcelorMittal's pullout plunges German green steel in doubt

Despite big subsidies, ArcelorMittal has stopped plans to produce green steel in Germany: an isolated case or a warning?

Solar and wind park

Solar and wind park

How hackers could take down Europe's power supply

Cybersecurity is essential for energy providers — can they defend themselves against attacks from hackers?

Wind turbines and power transmission lines shown side by side.

Wind turbines and power transmission lines shown side by side.

What's holding up Germany's power grid renewal?

Germany's energy transition depends on cross-country electricity transmission, but power lines are proving a bottleneck.

Electricity plug and socket

Electricity plug and socket

How batteries stabilize the power grid in northern Germany

Germany's largest battery storage facility goes online. Is it a game changer for the energy transition?

Monocab in Germany

Monocab in Germany

Independence through new ideas — MADE

Technology and the future: monorails, rare earths, battery storage, and urban farming.

Off shore windfarm Denmark

Off shore windfarm Denmark

Can Denmark keep the EU green?

Denmark wants to champion the EU’s beleaguered green deal in its presidency. But convincing other states won't be easy.

The word "thrifted" is superimposed on an arrow pointing to a large wind turbine with a man standing next to it

The word "thrifted" is superimposed on an arrow pointing to a large wind turbine with a man standing next to it

Old wind turbines are piling up. Here's how to revive them

Old wind turbines are piling up – many of them are bound to get scrapped. But some companies are trying to save them.

Living Planet 210318 Podcast Picture Teaser

Living Planet 210318 Podcast Picture Teaser

Epilogue: The true cost of climate change

In this bonus episode, we unpack what didn’t make the series - listener questions, laughs, and fresh insights.

Neckarwestheim nuclear power plant

Neckarwestheim nuclear power plant

German government shows cracks over nuclear energy

German's economy minister has attended a meeting of EU states using nuclear energy, despite a nuclear phaseout in 2023.

Armored infantryman of the Bundeswehr, the German armed forces, demonstrate their skills during a three-day Bundeswehr exercise on September 28, 2018 near Munster, Germany

Armored infantryman of the Bundeswehr, the German armed forces, demonstrate their skills during a three-day Bundeswehr exercise on September 28, 2018 near Munster, Germany

Renewed militarization sparks rift in Germany's SPD

A pacifist faction's manifesto urging a return to detente with Russia risks deepening the party's internal row.

A row of wind turbines with the sun rising in the background

A row of wind turbines with the sun rising in the background

How do renewables contribute to energy security?

The Israel-Iran conflict has placed fossil fuel access in jeopardy. Are renewables a safer bet in times of crisis?

A man wearing a white head hat stands at the turbines and electricity generators facility during a press tour

A man wearing a white head hat stands at the turbines and electricity generators facility during a press tour

Controversial German-Brazilian nuclear agreement turns 50

A 1975 nuclear energy treaty between Germany and Brazil is still in force today, despite Germany's nuclear phaseout.

Iran, Tehran 2025 | Injured man being treated in hospital during Iran-Israel conflict

Iran, Tehran 2025 | Injured man being treated in hospital during Iran-Israel conflict

Israel-Iran war enters second week with renewed strikes

Israel's military announced it struck an Iranian nuclear research facility near Isfahan overnight.

A group of wind turbines in a Windmill park at sea

A group of wind turbines in a Windmill park at sea

Large-scale energy storage facility opens in Germany

New battery system is a milestone for Germany's energy transition but some criticize its reliance on Chinese technology.

Solar corona: a composite image taken by the European Proba-3 mission and released, June 16, 2025

Solar corona: a composite image taken by the European Proba-3 mission and released, June 16, 2025

Twin Proba-3 spacecraft create artificial solar eclipse

After a first-ever space maneuver, the European mission revealed new insights into the solar corona.

The German cargo sail ship ‘Avontuur’ out on the ocean. Sun beams break through the cloudy sky.

The German cargo sail ship ‘Avontuur’ out on the ocean. Sun beams break through the cloudy sky.

Sailing coffee to Germany: A sustainable trade model?

The Cafe Chavalo co-op supports fair-trade coffee growers in Nicaragua, with beans shipped by sail and bicycle.