According to new data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), almost three-quarters of all new energy capacity added globally in 2019 was from renewable energy sources.
The organisation’s Renewable Capacity Statistics 2020 report found 72% of all new energy capacity in 2019 came from renewable sources, increasing the total share of all global power from renewables to over one-third. Both are record-breaking figures.
“Renewable energy is a cost-effective source of new power that insulates power markets and consumers from volatility, supports economic stability and stimulates sustainable growth,” said IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera in a statement.
“With renewable additions providing the majority of new capacity last year, it is clear that many countries and regions recognise the degree to which the energy transition can deliver positive outcomes."
IRENA is clear in its predictions that the renewable energy transformation will continue and hold significant implications for international politics. In a separate report released in 2019, the organisation noted that Australia was well positioned to benefit from a transition towards renewable energy should it embrace such a transformation.
"Countries with high technical potential for renewable energy generation stand to gain if they are able to become significant exporters of renewable electricity or fuels," the A New World: The Geopolitics of the Energy Transformation report states.
"Australia's economically-demonstrated solar and wind energy resources are estimated to be 75 per cent greater than its combined coal, gas, oil and uranium resources."
Positive Action
- Visit IRENA to read the Renewable Energy Capacity Statistics 2020 report in full.
- Check out the clean energy solutions offered by our sister company, Planet Ark Power.
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Positive Environment News has been compiled using publicly available information. Planet Ark does not take responsibility for the accuracy of the original information and encourages readers to check the references before using this information for their own purposes.