The REN 21 Renewables Global Status Report
2015 was a record year for renewable energy
installations. Renewable power generating capacity saw its largest increase
ever, with an estimated 147 gigawatts (GW) added. Modern renewable heat capacity also continued to rise, and renewables use expanded in the transport sector. Distributed renewable energy is advancing rapidly to close the gap between the energy haves- and have-nots.
These results were driven by several factors.
First and foremost, renewables are now cost competitive against fossil fuels in
many markets.
In addition, government leadership continues to play a key role in driving the growth of renewables, particularly wind and solar, in the power sector.
As of early 2016, 173 countries had renewable energy targets in place and 146 countries had support policies. Cities, communities and companies are leading the rapidly expanding "100% renewable" movement, playing a vital role in advancing the global energy transition.
In addition, government leadership continues to play a key role in driving the growth of renewables, particularly wind and solar, in the power sector.
As of early 2016, 173 countries had renewable energy targets in place and 146 countries had support policies. Cities, communities and companies are leading the rapidly expanding "100% renewable" movement, playing a vital role in advancing the global energy transition.
Additional growth factors include better access
to financing, concerns about energy security and the environment and the
growing demand for modern energy services in developing and emerging economies.
Christine Lins, Executive Secretary of REN21,
said, "What is truly remarkable about these results is that they were
achieved at a time when fossil fuel prices were at historic lows, and
renewables remained at a significant disadvantage in terms of government
subsidies. For every dollar spent boosting renewables, nearly four dollars were
spent to maintain our dependence on fossil fuels."
2015 was a record year not only for new
installations, but also for investment - reaching USD 286 billion worldwide in
renewable power and fuels; if investment in large hydropower (>50 MW) and in
heating and cooling is taken into account, the total is far higher. With China
accounting for more than one third of the global total, developing countries
surpassed developed countries in total renewable energy investments for the
first time.
With increased investment came an increase in
technological advances, cost reductions and jobs. There are now 8.1 million
people working in the renewable energy sector - representing steady growth in
stark contrast with depressed labour markets in the broader energy sector.
REN21's Renewables 2016 Global Status Report
presents developments and trends through the end of 2015, as well as observed
trends from early 2016 where available. This means that accelerated action to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions stemming from the Paris Climate Agreement in
December is not reflected in the results.
While trends are generally positive, the report
highlights several challenges that remain to be addressed if governments are to
fulfill their commitments to achieve a global transition away from fossil
fuels.
These include: achieving effective integration of high shares of renewables into the grid; addressing policy and political instability, regulatory barriers, and fiscal constraints. Further, there is far less policy focus on transport and, particularly, heating and cooling, so these sectors are progressing much more slowly.
These include: achieving effective integration of high shares of renewables into the grid; addressing policy and political instability, regulatory barriers, and fiscal constraints. Further, there is far less policy focus on transport and, particularly, heating and cooling, so these sectors are progressing much more slowly.
Arthouros Zervos, Chair of REN21, says: "The
renewables train is barreling down the tracks, but it's running on 20th century
infrastructure - a system based on outdated thinking where conventional
baseload is generated by fossil fuels and nuclear power.
"To accelerate the transition to a
healthier, more-secure and climate-safe future, we need to build the equivalent
of a high-speed rail network - a smarter, more flexible system that maximises
the use of variable sources of renewable energy, and accommodates decentralised
and community-based generation."
About the REN21 Renewables Global Status Report
First published in 2005, the annual Renewables
Global Status Report is the most comprehensive and timely overview of the
status, recent developments and trends in renewable energy markets, industries,
investments, and policy developments worldwide. By design, it does not provide
analysis or forecast. Data is provided by a network of 700 contributors,
researchers, and authors from all over the world. www.ren21.net/gsr