The World’s Greenest Cities
As the world races to combat climate change, many cities and regions are proving that 100% renewable energy isn’t just a dream—it’s already happening. From volcanic geothermal power in Iceland to wind-swept Scottish islands, these places are leading the charge toward a fossil fuel-free future.
Here’s a look at the cities and regions that run almost entirely on clean energy—and how they’re making it work.
Reykjavik, Iceland.
Energy Source: 100% geothermal and hydropower. Since the 1970s, Reykjavik has harnessed Iceland’s volcanic activity to generate geothermal energy for heating and electricity. Hydropower supplies the rest, making it one of the few capitals with zero reliance on fossil fuels for power. Heats 90% of homes using geothermal springs. Exports expertise in geothermal tech worldwide.
Burlington, Vermont, USA: America’s First 100% Renewable City
Burlington, a small progressive city, achieved its goal by investing in local hydropower, wind farms, and biomass plants. Even during peak demand, it stays fossil fuel-free. Proving even smaller U.S. cities can go fully renewable, saving money — renewables are now cheaper than fossil fuels. Energy Source: Wind, hydro, and biomass, first U.S. city to hit 100% renewables (2014).
Costa Rica: A Nation Running on Nature’s Power
Energy Source: 99% hydro, wind, and geothermal
Achievement: Ran on 100% renewables for 300+ days multiple times
Costa Rica’s lush rivers and windy highlands allow it to operate on nearly 100% clean energy. While it still uses minimal fossil fuels as backup, it’s a global model for sustainable power. It shows that entire countries can transition successfully and pair renewables with reforestation and eco-tourism.
The Orkney Islands, Scotland: Wind & Tidal Powerhouse
This remote archipelago generates so much wind and tidal power that it exports excess electricity to mainland Scotland. Community-owned turbines ensure locals benefit directly. Its Energy Source is 100% wind and tidal energy, they also produce more energy than they use.
Tidal energy could be the next big renewable source.
El Hierro, Spain: The Self-Sufficient Island
This tiny Canary Island uses wind turbines to pump water uphill, storing energy for when the wind stops. It’s a closed-loop system with zero emissions. Its Energy Source is 100% wind and hydro. It was the first island to be fully energy-independent, they successfully combine wind + hydro storage for reliability.
Basel, Switzerland: Hydropower and Local Renewables
Basel, Switzerland’s third-largest city, is a global leader in renewable energy. Thanks to its location along the Rhine River, it has long relied on hydropower, but it has also invested in solar, wind, and biomass to ensure a fully clean grid. It uses 100% renewable electricity, mostly hydropower, and Runs on Swiss hydropower + local renewables. The Rhine River provides 80% of Basel’s electricity through hydroelectric plants with rooftop solar panels and small wind projects fill gaps. Basel incinerates non-recyclable waste to produce heat, reducing landfill dependence. The city has strict energy policies and mandates green building standards.
Amal, Sweden: A Small Town with Big Green Ambitions
Amal is a picturesque town in western Sweden with a small population of 12,000 people, but it’s a model for sustainable living. Since the early 2000s, Åmål has run entirely on hydropower and wind energy, proving that even smaller communities can achieve energy independence.
While these places lead the way, others are racing to join them:
Copenhagen, Denmark (aiming for carbon neutrality by 2025).
Oslo, Norway (98% hydro, going fossil fuel-free by 2030).
Adelaide, Australia (100% renewable target by 2025).