Recently published Renewables 2015 Global Status Report shows what made 2014 another record year for renewables.
Renewable energy continued to grow in 2014 against the backdrop of increasing global energy consumption and a dramatic decline in oil prices during the second half of the year. In 2014, renewable energy expanded significantly in terms of capacity installed and energy produced, with renewable energy investments in the power sector outpacing net investments in fossil fuel power plants. The most rapid growth and the largest increase in renewable capacity occurred in the power sector and was dominated by three technologies: wind, solar photovoltaic (PV), and hydropower.
Globally, there has been a rising awareness worldwide that renewable energy and energy efficiency are critical not only for addressing climate change, but also for creating new economic opportunities and for providing energy access to the billions of people still living without modern energy services.
The annual
Renewables Global Status Report draws on the expertise of governments, NGOs, research and academic institutions, international organisations, and industry. Published by the multi-stakeholder network REN21, it's goal is to facilitate knowledge exchange, policy development, and joint action towards a rapid global transition to renewable energy.