2020 renewables growth rate fastest in two decades, IEA
About 270 GW of new renewable capacity is on course to be added in 2021 and almost 280 GW in 2022, despite a slowdown in China after an exceptional level of additions last year
Electricity generation from renewable sources grew at fastest pace in 20 years, thanks to huge deployments of solar and wind accelerating more quickly than estimated and becoming the ‘new normal’, according to a new report by the International Energy Agency (IEA). IEA’s latest market update says addition to renewables capacity was 45% greater than prior year’s gain, marking the biggest jump since 1999.
According to the Paris-based energy watchdog, renewables were the only energy source for which demand increased last year, with Covid-19 lockdowns hitting consumption of all other fuels as government restrictions shut factories, grounded planes and kept people at home.
“Wind and solar power are giving us more reasons to be optimistic about our climate goals“
Fatih Birol, IEA Executive Director
IEA says policy decisions in China and the U.S., among other things, fueled the growth, counteracting the impact of supply chain disruptions from the coronavirus.
New normal
In Africa, there are several renewable energy projects on the pipeline for this year, led by South Africa which is procuring 6,8GW of new renewable capacity in the coming year alone.
The increase in 2020 is set to become the “new normal”, with about 270 GW of renewable capacity on course to be added in 2021 and almost 280 GW in 2022, despite a slowdown in China after an exceptional level of additions last year. Those forecasts have been revised upwards by more than 25% from the IEA’s previous estimates in November as governments around the world have auctioned record levels of renewable capacity and companies have signed record-level power purchase agreements, even as the pandemic spread macroeconomic uncertainties and suppressed demand.
IEA’s executive director, Fatih Birol, welcomed the record-breaking growth of wind and solar power. “Governments need to build on this promising momentum through policies that encourage greater investment in solar and wind, and in the additional grid infrastructure they will require. A massive expansion of clean electricity is essential to giving the world a chance of achieving its net zero goals,’’ he said.
Global wind capacity additions almost doubled last year to 114 GW. That growth will slow down a bit in 2021 and 2022, but the increases will still be 50% larger than the average expansion during the 2017-19 period. Solar PV installations will continue to break new records, with annual additions forecast to reach over 160 GW by 2022. That would be almost 50% higher than the level achieved in 2019 prior to the pandemic, affirming solar’s position as the “new king” of global electricity markets.
China slowdown
IEA says it expects new capacity in China—long a driver of global renewables growth—to plateau as government subsidies end, despite Beijing’s pledge to reach peak carbon emissions before 2030.
China, which has accounted for around 40% of global renewable capacity growth for several years, grew its share to 50% in 2020 due to a rush to complete projects before government subsidies were phased out.
Any slowdown in China in the coming years will be compensated for by strong growth in Europe, the US, India and Latin America where government support and falling prices for solar PV and wind continue to drive installations, according to the IEA.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.