Even with a tentative agreement to open the Strait of Hormuz and negotiate Iran’s nuclear capability, which we all heard last year was “totally obliterated,” the war in the Middle East shows that the time for a renewable energy revolution is now. In fact, now more than ever, we see a strong case for renewable energy given global instability.
Until the start of the war, the Strait of Hormuz carried around 20 percent of the global supply of oil and liquefied natural gas. Currently, both are passing through the Strait, but that could change at any time. The U.S. average gas price is $4.5 a gallon, further emphasizing the case for diversifying energy sources.
Our addiction to fossil fuels for energy and fuel has to end. Wind and sun are energy sources every nation can access and use. However, oil and gas production occurs in a handful of countries and can be disrupted during war. Renewables are not affected by geopolitical realities and strengthen the case for turning to renewable energy options.
Scandinavia and the Case for Renewable Energy
Some countries are doing better at developing renewable energy. Denmark is one of them. The Scandinavian country set a goal to achieve 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030. Denmark also set goals for an 110 percent emissions reduction, to stop fossil fuel production by 2050, and for 100 percent biomethane heating before 2030, reflecting their own strong case for supporting renewable energy.
Denmark’s goals are within reach. In 2024, 88.4 percent of Denmark’s net electricity generation came from renewable energy. In 1990, only three percent of Denmark’s electricity generation came from renewables. Renewable energy accounts for more than half of heat generation. From 1990 to 2020, its carbon emissions declined by 76 percent. Its greenhouse gas emissions have declined more than the EU average, making Denmark a compelling case study for renewable energy leadership.
Denmark has heavily invested in wind and solar power, as well as biomethane for heating. It has also invested in energy storage and green hydrogen. The Scandinavian country has the highest share of wind power and has nearly phased out coal. It relies less on fossil fuels for its energy supply than the International Energy Agency averages. Denmark was once an oil-producing country, further demonstrating the reality for a full renewable energy transition.
Norway is the EV capital of the world. Over 97 percent of the new cars registered in the country in November 2025 were electric. The country’s goal is 100 percent. Norway has the resources to produce oil, but it has chosen to subsidize EVs. It has also chosen to “heavily tax” people when they buy fossil fuel-powered cars, said Christian Bu, Secretary General of the Norwegian Electric Car Association. This progressive policy further makes the case for renewable energy strategies worldwide.
California Leads the U.S. In Zero Emissions Vehicles
Since 2016, California has led the U.S. in zero-emissions vehicle adoption. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has required car manufacturers to put ZEVs on the market in the state. In 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a rule that requires 100 percent of new car sales in California to be ZEVs by 2035. This forms part of the state’s case for promoting renewable energy across the transportation sector.
“This plan’s yearly targets – 35 percent ZEV sales by 2026, 68 percent by 2030, and 100 percent by 2035 – provide our roadmap to reducing dangerous carbon emissions and moving away from fossil fuels. That’s 915 million oil barrels’ worth of emissions that won’t pollute our communities.” California Governor Gavin Newsom continued to advocate for transformational renewable energy policies within California’s energy planning.
Newsom recently announced that truck companies can apply for a rebate program for electric medium and heavy-duty trucks. The rebates will help fleets buy and use ZEV technology. The rebate program is expected to be the largest in the nation for electric trucks, further strengthening California’s case for renewable energy adoption in the transport industry.
As California goes, so goes the nation. Despite a federal administration with a drill, baby, drill mantra, the Golden State proves that going green is never out of style, and continues to inspire the case for a future based on renewable energy.
