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Renewables take Lion’s Share of Global Power Additions in 2021 – Irena

Renewable energy continued to grow and gain momentum despite global uncertainties taking the lion's share of power additions in 2021, according to new data released by the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena).

 

The global renewable generation capacity amounted to 3,064 Gigawatt (GW) by the year end, thus increasing the stock of renewable power by 9.1%.

 

Although hydropower accounted for the largest share of the global total renewable generation capacity with 1,230 GW, Irena’s Renewable Capacity Statistics 2022 shows that solar and wind continued to dominate new generating capacity.

 

Together, both technologies contributed 88% to the share of all new renewable capacity in 2021. Solar capacity led with 19% increase, followed by wind energy, which increased its generating capacity by 13%.

 

Renewable energy’s resilience

 

“This continued progress is another testament of renewable energy’s resilience. Its strong performance last year represents more opportunities for countries to reap renewables’ multiple socio-economic benefits. However, despite the encouraging global trend, our new World Energy Transitions Outlook shows that the energy transition is far from being fast or widespread enough to avert the dire consequences of climate change,” says Irena Director-General, Francesco La Camera.

 

“Our current energy crisis also adds to the evidence that the world can no longer rely on fossil fuels to meet its energy demand. Money directed to fossil fuel power plants yields unrewarding results, both for the survival of a nation and the planet. Renewable power should become the norm across the globe. We must mobilize the political will to accelerate the 1.5°C pathway.”

 

To achieve climate goals, renewables must grow at a faster pace than energy demand. However, many countries have not reached this point yet, despite significantly increasing the use of renewables for electricity generation.

 

Capacity additions

 

Sixty per cent of the new capacity in 2021 was added in Asia, resulting in a total of 1.46 Terawatt (TW) of renewable capacity by 2021. China was the biggest contributor, adding 121 GW to the continent’s new capacity. Europe and North America – led by the USA – took second and third places respectively, with the former adding 39 GW, and the latter 38 GW.

 

Renewable energy capacity grew 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 global average, indicating the need for stronger international cooperation to optimize electricity markets and drive massive investments in those regions.

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