Renewables reach 20 percent of global electricity generation in 2010

• 12 years ago (2011-07-13)
• David Flin

Europe 1061 North America 998 Renewables 752

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The Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21) has released its “2011 Global Status Report”, which said that renewable energy supplied 16 percent of total energy usage and 20 percent of electricity generated globally in 2010.

The report further states that renewables accounted for roughly half of the 194 GW of electricity generation capacity added in 2010, led by wind and hydropower. REN21 noted that Europe added more solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity than wind.

Mohamed El-Ashry, Chairman of the REN21 Steering Committee, said: “The global performance of renewable energy has been a positive constant in turbulent times. Today, more people than ever before derive energy from renewables as capacity continues to grow, prices continue to fall, and shares of global energy from renewables continue to increase.”

The report said that the PV industry had an “extraordinary” year in 2010, with 17 GW of capacity added globally, more than double the 7.3 GW added in 2009. PV capacity was added in over 100 countries during the year. REN21 says that the PV growth has been due to various government incentive programmes and the continuing fall in PV module prices.

REN21 notes that the concentrating solar power (CSP) industry has also expanded rapidly, with over 740 MW of capacity added between 2007 and 2010, with more than half of that being added in 2010. REN21 also stated that CSP project development is moving beyond Spain and the USA, noting the industry’s growth in the Middle East and North Africa. Parabolic trough PV plants remained the most popular CSP technology.

The report stated that government policy is the main driver behind renewable energy growth, and that in 2010, 119 nations had a policy goal or renewable energy support policy.