Renewables now make up 30% of global electricity generation
Renewable energy, sourced from replenishable natural resources like sunlight, wind, and geothermal heat, is pivotal in electricity generation, heating, cooling, and transportation. It offers off-grid solutions for remote areas, produces minimal greenhouse gases, and enhances energy security due to its wide geographical distribution. As global efforts to mitigate climate change intensify, the shift to low-carbon energy, led by renewables, is accelerating. Technologies such as solar PV and wind are becoming cost-competitive with fossil fuels. Increasing the renewable share in energy systems involves electrifying heating and transport sectors, using biofuels, and deploying solar water heating, biomass burners, and geothermal heating. Achieving climate goals requires rapid renewable energy deployment across all sectors, supported by favourable policies and market conditions.
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 2023 worldwide (Statistical Review of World Energy)
0million
jobs in the renewable energy sector in 2023 (IRENA)
0%
share of total primary energy consumption worldwide was from renewables in 2023 (Statistical Review of World Energy)
0million
households in the UK (or equivalent) were powered by wind energy in 2023 (RenewableUK)
What's new?
Now launched, China’s streamlined energy law facilitates energy transition in the world’s largest economy
15/1/2025
The new Energy Law comprises nine sections that cover a wide array of topics including energy planning, development and utilisation, the energy market...
Two Ohio solar projects begin operations feeding electricity to tech giants
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New electricity law sets framework to support clean energy development in Vietnam
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Cleanest-ever electricity recorded in the UK
15/1/2025
The analysis shows that in total, fossil fuels made up just 29% of the UK’s electricity in 2024 – the lowest level on record – while nuclear contribut...
New EU maritime regulations set course for sector decarbonisation
15/1/2025
The legislation is a critical component of the EU’s ‘Fit for 55’ package, aimed at achieving a 55% reduction in net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by ...
Events and training
The Gas Network in 2050 What will it look like
29/1/2025
The Energy Institute Northern Ireland Branch is pleased to invite you to the Northern Ireland Gas Symposium to debate and understand the best technolo...
Level 1: Certificate in Energy Management Essentials - April 2025
31/3/2025 - 4/4/2025
About:This introductory 5 day classroom course provides a comprehensive, practical overview of the fundamentals of energy management, equipping p...
Level 3: Advanced Energy Manager
28/9/2025 - 23/12/2025
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 2025
6/10/2025 - 10/10/2025
About:This introductory 5 day classroom course provides a comprehensive, practical overview of the fundamentals of energy management, equipping p...
Maintenance Strategy Fundamentals - October 2025
17/10/2025 - 20/10/2025
In this 2 half-day training course on the 17 & 20 of October 2025, you will gain the fundamental knowledge and understanding to develop an efficie...
Technical guidance publications
EI 3578
Steel fabrication in the offshore wind industry - A good practice guidance for developers
December 2024
EI 3576
G+ Good practice guidelines for unmanned aircraft systems in the offshore wind industry
November 2024
EI 3429
Good practice guideline - Offshore wind farm transfer
October 2024
G+ offshore wind farm transfer good practice guidance. This guidance aims to provide a framework of how to execute a safe transfer in an offshore wind...
EI 3573
Lifesaving rules for the offshore wind industry — Implementation guide
September 2024