Today REN21
published the most comprehensive annual overview of the state of
renewable energy. The
Renewables
2016 Global Status Report reveals that renewables are
now firmly established as competitive, mainstream sources of energy
in many countries around the world.
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 with 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.
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.
Arthouros Zervos, Chair of REN21: "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.”