Renewable energy share in world’s electricity mix surpasses 30%

China is the main contributor as it comprises over half of the wind and solar installations.

The share of renewable energy in the electricity mix has exceeded 30%, mainly driven by solar and wind capacity, according to a report by energy think tank Ember.

The report said the share of renewable has come a long way from a 19% global electricity mix share in 2000, with solar and wind power increasing their share to 13.4% this year from 0.2% in 2000.

Solar power is the fastest-growing electricity generation source for the 19th consecutive year, surpassing wind power for the second year in a row.

Solar additions were more than double the new coal electricity this year.

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“The good news is we already know the key enablers that help countries unleash the full potential of solar and wind. There’s an unprecedented opportunity for countries that choose to be at the forefront of the clean energy future,” Dave Jones, Global Insights Programme Director, Ember, said.

“Expanding clean electricity not only helps to decarbonise the power sector. It also provides the step up in supply needed to electrify the whole economy; and that’s the real game-changer for the climate,” he added.

In terms of markets, China was the main contributor last year as it accounted for 51% of the new solar capacity and 60% of new wind installations.