Renewable energy capacity additions will grow by almost 12% this year, the fastest pace since 2015, to reach almost 200GW, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
The IEA said growth will be mainly down to solar and wind, with the former expected to increase by over 17%.
It noted that in 2018, renewable power capacity failed to accelerate year-on-year for the first time since 2001, largely down to a Chinese government policy change.
IEA said this highlights the “critical role of governments” for the deployment of renewables and the need to avoid sudden policy changes that can result in strong market volatility.
The agency estimated that global PV capacity additions will increase to almost 115GW this year, despite a slight decline in China, the world’s largest market.
It added that 2019 is set to be the first year that solar additions have surpassed 100GW and the third year in a row that they account for more than half of global renewable increases.
The rebound in renewables is also supported by higher onshore wind growth, which is expected to rise 15% to 53GW.
Offshore wind growth is expected to be around 5GW in 2019, led by the Europe and China.
IEA executive director Fatih Birol said: “These latest numbers give us many reasons to celebrate: renewable electricity additions are now growing at their fastest pace in four years after a disappointing 2018.
“We are witnessing a drastic decline in the cost of solar power together with strong growth in onshore wind. And offshore wind is showing encouraging signs.
“These technologies are the mainstays of the world’s efforts to tackle climate change, reduce air pollution and provide energy access to all.
“The stark difference between this year’s trend and last year’s demonstrates the critical ability of government policies to change the trajectory we are on.”