Global renewables share could increase by 36 per cent

The global energy share of renewables could increase to 36 per cent by 2030 as improved energy access and a rise in energy efficiency boost the green energy market. According to a new report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), global energy share could exceed 30 per cent by 2030.

According to the report, entitled 'Remap 2030', renewable energy usage could double its share in the global energy market in the next 16 years. The report maps out how this could occur, based upon current technologies that are in use. It points to the need for more modern renewable energy sources - not including the use of biomass - suggesting that the use of these technologies needs to increase by at least three times the current deployment rate.

IRENA's report also suggests that cutting the number of subsidies available for energy companies that use fossil fuels will help to increase the number of power suppliers using renewable technologies. By rethinking energy subsidies and taxes, use of renewable technologies could become more economically viable. Current energy policies, or those that are under consideration, will only lead to an increased share of 21 per cent by 2030, claims the report.

Currently the type of energy generation that has the largest share in the renewables market is biomass, which accounts for 75 per cent of all green energy consumption. Traditional biomass methods are currently producing over 50 per cent of international renewable energy. Unfortunately not all forms of traditional biomass are sustainable and so are not the best option. However, use of other renewable technologies is likely to increase as traditional biomass usage falls.

Not only will the uptake of more renewables be beneficial in the fight against climate change, it could also have a number of other benefits; such as improvements to health, the creation of jobs and other positive economic attributes. The report suggests that an increase in the renewables share within the global energy market will ensure independence and reduce the cost of power, while also making generation more reliable.