Brexit, Donald Trump’s presidency, and fast approaching legislation expiration dates are leaving the EU, UK, and US wondering where the future of renewable energy technology is heading.

In the US, a major player for renewable energy research and development, President Trump has expressed opposition towards research for climate change.  Many fear that these feelings of opposition will translate to budget cuts affecting major organizations such as the NOAA and the EPA’s research division.  The US has played a central role in data collection and research on the global stage.  Scientists fear that budget cuts and travel bans will deter international collaboration, therefore hindering the progress made for climate change research and renewable energy technology.

The EU has risen to be a major figure in terms of renewable energy resources.  Recent data reports state that nearly 90 percent of EU power came from renewable resources in 2016.  Wind energy has been the method of choice for EU member nations.  Germany is best known for their mastery of wind technology.  Currently, wind energy companies are attempting to secure contracts and commitments to maintain this success for the future.  Securing these contracts is a smart move for wind energy companies due to the upcoming expiration date for binding energy agreements.  The result of many EU climate change talks were energy agreements and legislation that ensured the commitment of national governments to the development of renewable energy solutions.  The success of these projects, such as the wind energy projects noted in Germany, are largely due to these legislative initiatives.  The initiatives are set to expire in 2020, causing concern for the renewable energy sector.  Companies fear the slowing of progress that has been made thus far if there are no commitments to maintain government interests.  There are no clear answers as to whether the EU will renew climate change agreements in 2020, or lose sight of the progress that has been made, but it is clear that legislation and international agreements have paved the way for successful results in the energy sector.

Because of BREXIT, the UK must now take matters of renewable energy development into its own hands.  This has not been an easy task for the country thus far.  The majority of the country’s electrical needs are supplied from nonrenewable and traditional power sources.  Only 20 percent of the country’s overall electrical power supply is generated by renewable resources.  In comparison to the EU, the UK is progressing at a much slower rate.  UK government officials have been slow to take action against climate change or to address issues of pollution in major cities, such as London.  This slow progress has left people wondering how the UK plans to catch up to the renewable power progress that has been made in the EU, and even the US.

The one common factor that determines energy development for all of these groups is the government.  Government officials in each country are shaping the future of renewable resources with the legislation that the pass and the requirements that they agree to meet.  International agreements and climate change resolutions seem to hold great significance to each nation, which has seemed to produce successful results in the past.  If countries continue to create and uphold these agreements we can definitely expect to see more progress like that of the EU.  It will be interesting to watch the development of renewable resources in the US under the new administration, and to monitor the development of the UK during Brexit.