Solar Overtakes Wind Energy For First Time In Global Rush For Renewables

Solar Overtakes Wind Energy For First Time In Global Rush For Renewables

Solar power has overtaken wind for the first time, in the race to develop renewable energy capacity around the globe. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), solar energy now accounts for 28% of the world's renewable electricity generation capacity, just ahead of wind with 27%. This time last year, the two were evenly matched at 26% each. The figures come from the latest Renewable Capacity Statistics report, released by the UAE-based organization on April 11. It said that by the end of 2021 global renewable generation capacity amounted to 3, 064 gigawatts (GW), a 9. 1% increase on the previous year. The 256. 7GW of clean energy added to national grids last year accounted for 81% of all the electricity generation capacity additions around the world, a record level. Solar and wind energy are not the only renewable electricity sources, but they are building a dominant position in the market. IRENA's figures show that solar and wind were responsible for 88% of all new renewable capacity in 2021. Solar energy grew by 19% last year, while wind energy grew by 13%. Hydropower still accounts for the largest share of global renewable energy generation, with 1, 230GW, but its