Renewables now make up almost 29% of global electricity generation
Renewable energy is derived from resources that are replenished on a human timescale; examples include sunlight, wind, rains, waves, tides, geothermal heat and biomass. Renewable energy is used in three main areas: electricity generation, air and water heating and cooling, and transportation. Renewables are also suited to provide off-grid energy solutions in rural and remote areas. The overall production and use of renewable energy usually produce minimal greenhouse gases and have the potential to significantly reduce air pollution compared to hydrocarbon alternatives. Deployment of renewable energy also has potential energy security benefits, with renewable resources spread over wide geographical areas.
In light of the current greenhouse gas-driven warming of the climate and the associated impacts, a global transition to low carbon energy is underway with renewable energy at the forefront. Related technologies are rapidly becoming more efficient and falling in costs; some renewable energy forms like solar PV and onshore wind that once depended heavily on government support are now at or approaching cost-parity with fossil fuel generation. Since most renewables produce electricity, increasing the share of renewable energy in the whole energy system can be achieved by electrifying the heat and transport sectors, in combination with increasing the proportion of electricity provided by renewables. Besides electrification, the transport sector can benefit from biofuels which can substitute for oil products. The heat sector can see further deployment of solar water heating, biomass-fuelled burners and direct geothermal heating. Renewable energy is expected to continue expanding its share in the energy mix, as costs come down, innovative technologies are commercialised, and environmental drivers strengthen. The EU has a target for 32% of all electricity to be generated from renewables by 2030. To meet these climate and sustainability goals, renewable energy deployment must accelerate in all sectors, enabled by policy and markets.
You can find further information below about the technologies, costs and current developments within each of the seven major types of renewables:
Learn more about renewables by reading our Energy Insights.
For the latest news and articles on renewable energy read New Energy World.
View our dedicated Collections on Hydrogen and Offshore Wind.
0.0 GW
of solar energy capacity was added in 2021, leading to more solar capacity than wind capacity worldwide (IRENA)
0%
of new renewables capacity was seen in Asia in 2021 with a huge increase of 121 GW added in China (IRENA)
0%
of global renewable generation capacity came from hydropower in 2021 at 1360 GW, including pumped storage (IRENA)
0GW
of operational wind power capacity is available in the UK in 2022, powering the equivalent of around 18,000 homes (RenewableUK)
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Events and training
EI Fellows on Fusion - hosted by Sir Ian Chapman & the UK Atomic Energy Authority
26/09/2024
This free-of-charge topical event and networking session is open to all Fellows, but registration is essential.
Level 3: Advanced Energy Manager
30/09/2024 - 04/12/2024
This 9-day course is an advanced qualification aiming to support experienced energy managers to further advance their careers by gaining the skills an...
Level 1: Certificate in Energy Management Essentials - October 2024
07/10/2024 - 11/10/2024
About:This introductory 5 day classroom course provides a comprehensive, practical overview of the fundamentals of energy management, equipping p...
Technical guidance publications
Guidance on green and low carbon hydrogen production: plant design, construction, operation and maintenance, co-location and other considerations
2024
‘Hydrogen economy’ is an umbrella term used to describe the role that hydrogen plays in the broader economy, including as a fuel, as an en...
Guidance on green and low carbon hydrogen production: plant design, construction, operation and maintenance, co-location and other considerations
2024
‘Hydrogen economy’ is an umbrella term used to describe the role that hydrogen plays in the broader economy, including as a fuel, as an en...
Human factors standards for facility design: Early design quick reference guide
2024
Human factors considerations (ergonomics, anthropometry, etc.) are key to good facility design; however, too often human factors is not considered ear...
Safe systems of work principles for the power generation sector
2024
This is a free download to registered users. Register and/or log in to download.A safe system of work (SSoW) is a set of procedures to ensu...
Research report: Global activities in hydrogen development
2024
This report covers various developmental activities across the hydrogen value chain, encompassing production, transportation/distribution, storage, an...