Renewable Energy Supplied Almost a Quarter of Global Power in 2015
Wind and solar PV had record additions for the second consecutive year
PARIS — Renewable energy accounted for nearly 25 percent of global electrical capacity in 2015, according to a new study, Renewables 2016 Global Status Report, by REN21.
The power sector experienced its largest annual increase in capacity ever, with significant growth in all regions. Wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) had record additions for the second consecutive year, accounting for about 77 percent of new installations, and hydropower represented most of the remainder. The world now adds more renewable power capacity annually than it adds (net) capacity from all fossil fuels combined. By the end of 2015, renewable capacity in place was enough to supply an estimated 23.7 percent of global electricity, with hydropower providing about 16.6 percent.