Renewable Energy Revolution Gains Momentum  

The world is on the brink of a renewable energy revolution, with the latest statistics from the REN21 Renewables 2015 Global Status Report revealing that in 2014, over 60% of net addition to the world’s power capacity was created by sustainable solutions. The additional 135 gigawatts of extra renewable energy power bought the total installed capacity up to the highest levels ever seen. In total, the world generated a huge 1,712 GW of renewable energy, a figure that represents an 8.5% increase from last year’s statistics!

Mark Kenber, CEO of the Climate Group comments, “The data continues to confirm that the clean revolution, the shift toward a prosperous low carbon economy, is under way.”

Combating climate change

As well as being a record breaking year for the renewable energy revolution, 2014 marked another important milestone for the fight against climate change. For the first time in 40 years the global economic growth went hand in hand with a reduction in CO2 emissions. This is despite the fact that the planet consumed an estimated 1.5% more energy than usual.

“Renewable energy is proven to be reliable, cheap and the only sustainable option for both the economy and the environment. Many businesses already recognise this: our RE100 program, supporting companies with 100% renewable power targets, clearly shows that green business is good business through inexpensive, reliable clean energy,” adds Kenber.

Wind and solar power the revolution

The eco-friendly boost was largely driven by new wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) installation projects rolled out across the globe. Since 2004 the implementation of solar PV capacity has skyrocketed by 48-fold. Now, the technology accounts for 177 GW a year! Wind energy is also rapidly expanding, with an increase of 8-fold over the past 10 years. In 2014 turbines generated a colossal 370 GW.

Yet despite the positive outlook the Climate Group maintains that there is still plenty of progress to be made. “Policymakers have the opportunity of attracting clean investment, which the report shows increasing especially in developing countries, through their national and international pledges. This is why the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) countries are presenting ahead of COP21 in Paris should be seen as strategic investment plans for low carbon growth,” explains Kenber.

Investment set to drive the global ‘green’ energy upsurge

Investment in renewable energies is also on the rise, up 17% from 2013 to a total of US$270.2 billion. Much of this is from Western countries, however the jump is also due to developing nations investing in greener solutions.

Costa Rica is renowned as one of the most eco-friendly countries on the planet. To find out how this Central American nation uses rainfall from its lush jungle strewn hills and geothermal energy from its active volcanoes, read: How is Costa Rica Sets Sights on 100% Renewable Energy? 

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