Global renewable energy installations reached a record peak in 2024, with 92.5% sourced from clean energy. China led the charge, contributing nearly 64% of new capacity. Despite this growth, the world remains behind in meeting the 2030 targets set to combat climate change, prompting calls for enhanced climate leadership and policies.
In a report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), global renewable energy installations reached unprecedented heights in 2024, with 92.5% of new electricity sourced from clean energy like solar and wind. Notably, China accounted for nearly 64% of this new renewable electricity capacity, adding an impressive 585 billion watts, a rise of 15.1% from the previous year. Consequently, solar, wind, and other green non-nuclear sources constituted 46% of the world’s total electricity supply.
Despite this significant increase, IRENA warns that global progress toward tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030 is lagging, estimating a shortfall of 28%. This ambitious target was set in 2023 as an integral part of global efforts to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the importance of accelerating the clean energy transition, citing its role in creating jobs and improving air quality.
China’s expansion in renewable energy is particularly notable, with the country adding nearly 374 billion watts in 2024, predominantly from solar panels. This contribution surpassed the efforts of the United States, which added considerably less, highlighting China’s leadership in the clean energy sector. Currently, China boasts almost 887 billion watts of solar power compared to significantly smaller outputs from the U.S. and European nations.
Simon Stiell, the United Nations climate chief, utilized the IRENA figures to urge European and other industrialized nations to enhance their climate leadership. He posited that as the U.S. scales back its commitments, there exists an opportunity for Europe to position itself as a leader in the clean energy transition, potentially stimulating economic growth.
Neil Grant, a senior policy analyst at Climate Analytics, noted that with robust climate policies, the growth in renewable energy could be even more pronounced. He emphasized that the current growth figures indicate a promising trajectory and the potential for a more rapid transition to clean energy in the coming years.
The continued exponential growth of renewable energy, particularly in China, underscores a pivotal moment in the global transition from fossil fuels. The increase in capacity highlights both the potential for economic growth and the pressing need for comprehensive climate policies to meet ambitious international goals. As the world moves toward a more sustainable future, the challenge remains to accelerate the pace of transformation to ensure adequate progress against climate change.
Original Source: apnews.com
