Renewables generation now accounts for over 25% of global power output, according to a new report by the International Energy Agency.
The paper – ‘Global Energy & CO2 Status Report’ – said renewables grew by 4% in 2018, representing almost one-quarter of global energy demand growth.
The main gains were in the power sector with renewables-based electricity generation increasing at its fastest pace this decade, IEA said.
Solar hydro and wind each accounted for about one-third of the growth, with bioenergy accounting for most of the rest, it added.
Renewables generation increased 7% last year to 450 terrawatt-hours, with clean power responsible for almost 45% of the world’s increase in electricity output, the agency said.
China accounted for 40% of the increase, followed by Europe with 25%, and then India and the US with 13% each.
IEA said 2018 was a record year for solar capacity, which grew 31%, with China adding 44GW of PV alone.
Wind generation grew by 12% in 2018, with China adding 20GW last year.