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?
China starts producing power from ‘world’s largest open-sea’ solar project
20/11/2024
The project is claimed to be the first and largest of its kind in the world, and is being developed by CHN Energy subsidiary Guohua Energy Investment ...
‘World first’ green hydrogen transport and storage demo to use existing terminal infrastructure
20/11/2024
LOHCs are organic compounds that can absorb and release hydrogen through chemical reactions and can therefore be used as a means of storing and transp...
Shell wins appeal against court order to cut GHG emissions
20/11/2024
The 2021 mandate had required Shell to cut its net carbon emissions across Scopes 1, 2 and 3 by 45% this decade, compared to 2019 levels. This include...
NESO sketches out its roadmap to 2030
13/11/2024
The Clean Power 2030 Report suggests that while the transition to a clean power system is a ‘huge challenge’, it is ‘achievable’. The report outlines ...
Trump’s election could reshape US energy policy and hinder global climate action
13/11/2024
Known for his climate scepticism, Trump has consistently dismissed efforts to boost green energy as a ‘scam’. He previously withdrew the US from the P...
Events and training
Lessons learned from energy transitions covering technical, legal and the planning system
27/11/2024
This unique project brings to life the challenge of energy transition converting a gas network from one type of fuel gas to another and the planning t...
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
No publications found.