IRENA: Last year’s record renewables growth took place mainly in Asia

According to IRENA data, installed renewable capacity increased by 161 GW last year, the highest growth since records began. Solar power plants recorded the largest growth, surpassing wind power plants in terms of newly installed capacity. 

Thanks to the exceptional growth in installed renewable capacity, total installed renewable capacity rose to 2,000 GW last year. Capacity at power plants using renewable energy sources thus increased by almost 9% last year.

„We are witnessing an energy transformation that can be observed around the world and has resulted in this record year.“
IRENA Director-General, Adnan Z. Amin

Somewhat surprisingly, solar power plants were the main driver last year. More than 71 GW of them was installed globally, compared with 51 GW of wind power capacity. This is the first time since 2013 that more solar power plants than wind power plants have been installed.

Hydropower plants, along with biomass and biogas plants, also made a significant contribution to new capacity additions, increasing by 30 GW and 9 GW respectively. A total of 1 GW of new power plant capacity was added in the field of geothermal energy.

„The growth of the renewable energy sector shows that it is an attractive business opportunity that also brings many socioeconomic benefits, such as employment, environmental protection and support for economic growth.“
IRENA Director-General, Adnan Z. Amin

In terms of geographical distribution, Asia again dominated, with more than half of the total 161 GW built there. According to current statistics, Asia accounts for approximately 41% of total capacity, or 812 GW.

Asia also built 13% more new installed capacity than in 2015. Africa can boast similar figures, where the volume of newly installed capacity doubled compared with the previous year. However, this represented a smaller increase, as renewable capacity in Africa grew by only 4 GW last year.

„The continued acceleration of growth in this sector will require further investment in order for the global economy to move closer to decarbonisation and meeting its climate commitments. The new statistics are an encouraging signal that there is still room for growth and that we are on the right track.“
IRENA Director-General, Adnan Z. Amin

The agency’s statistics now also focus on off-grid installations. Their total capacity was estimated at 2.8 GW, with solar power plants accounting for the largest share (40%). Hydropower plants account for one tenth of off-grid installations.

The full report is available on the IRENA website here.