Abu Dhabi, UAE, April 5, 2021 – Despite the economic slowdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the larger-than-expected growth in global renewable energy capacity in 2020 was unprecedented. The world added more than 260 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity last year, an increase of nearly 50 percent from 2019, according to figures released today by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
IRENA’s 2021 Renewable Energy Statistics annual report shows that the share of renewable energy in all new power generation capacity has risen sharply for the second year in a row. More than 80 percent of all new power generation capacity added last year was from renewables, with solar and wind accounting for 91 percent of new renewables.
The rising share of renewable energy in total energy is partly attributable to the net phasing out of fossil fuel power generation in Europe, North America, and Eurasia (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russian Federation and Turkey). New fossil fuel capacity additions fell to 60 gigawatts in 2020 from 64 gigawatts the previous year, underscoring the continued downward trend in fossil fuel expansion.
“These numbers tell a remarkable story of renewed growth and hope. Despite the challenges and uncertainties of 2020, renewable energy remains the key to a better, fairer, resilient, clean and just future. There is undeniable optimism”, said IRENA Director General Francesco La Camera, “Renewable strong growth in renewables gives us reflection and an opportunity to align our trajectory with the path to inclusive prosperity, with The signs are that we’re taking this opportunity.”
