Renewable energy continued to grow According to the latest statistics, on the planet steadily throughout 2021. Specifically, 81% of all new energy installed in the world that year was from renewable sources; this was a never-before-reached figure that highlights the rate at which renewables are spreading. Again, The bad news is that this speed is still insufficient To prevent the earth from overheating.
New data released by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) shows that renewable energy continues to grow and gain momentum despite global uncertainties.
By the end of 2021, global renewable generation capacity has reached 3,064 gigawatts (GW), to increase the renewable energy stock by 9.1 percent.
While hydropower accounts for the majority of total global renewable generation capacity of 1,230 GW, IRENA 2022 renewable capacity statistics show that solar and wind power continue to dominate new generation capacity.
the sun stands out
boards, solar and wind contributed to 88 percent of all new renewable capacity installed in 2021. Solar capacity led the way with an increase of 19 percent, followed by wind power, which increased production capacity by 13 percent.
“This continued progress is another testament to the resilience of renewable energy. Its strong performance over the past year represents more opportunities for countries to reap the multiple socio-economic benefits of renewable energy.
However, despite the encouraging global trend, the report Global Energy Transitions Outlook shows that The energy transition is far from rapid or widespread enough to avoid the dire consequences of climate change.”, according to the director general of IRENA, francesco la camera.
“The current energy crisis also adds to the evidence that the world can no longer rely on fossil fuels to meet its energy demand. Money diverted to fossil-fuel power plants has rewardless consequences for both the survival of a nation and the planet. Renewable energy should become the norm around the world. We must mobilize the political will to accelerate the 1.5°C path.”
higher growth
To achieve climate goals, renewable energies must grow faster than energy demand. However, many countries have not yet reached this point.although the use of renewable energy for electricity generation has increased significantly.
Sixty percent of new capacity was added in Asia in 2021, achieving a total renewable capacity of 1.46 terwatts (TW) by 2021. China made the largest contribution, adding 121 GW to the continent’s new capacity. US-led Europe and North America are second and third respectively, with the former adding 39 GW and the latter 38 GW.
Renewable energy capacity increased by 3.9% in Africa and 3.3% in Central America and the Caribbean. Despite representing steady growth, the pace in both regions is much slower than the world average, suggesting that stronger international cooperation is needed to optimize electricity markets and encourage large investment in these regions.
According to the technologies, these were the highlights:
- hydroelectric power– Hydropower growth increased steadily in 2021 with the commissioning of several major projects delayed until 2021.
- wind power: Wind expansion continued at a slower pace in 2021 than in 2020 (+93 GW compared to +111 GW the previous year).
- solar energy– With the increase in new capacity in major regions of the world in previous years, total global solar capacity has now exceeded wind power capacity.
- bioenergy: Net capacity growth increased in 2021 (+10.3 GW compared to +9.1 GW in 2020).
- Geothermal energy: Geothermal capacity has grown tremendously, with 1.6 GW added in 2021.
- off-grid electricity: Off-grid capacity increased by 466 MW (+4%) to reach 11.2 GW in 2021.
Reference article: https://www.irena.org/newsroom/pressreleases/2022/Apr/Renewables-Take-Lions-Share-of-Global-Power-Additions-in-2021