Renewable Energy Capacity and Production (On-Grid and Off-Grid)
In 2023, total global renewable energy capacity reached 3,864,522 MW, up from 1,698,295 MW in 2014, a more than twofold increase. Africa has also experienced growth, with a capacity of 62,066 MW in 2023, up from 32,511 MW in 2014. Countries like Angola, Ethiopia, and South Africa have led this surge, each achieving notable renewable capacity expansions. Angola, for example, expanded from 1,020 MW in 2014 to 4,091 MW in 2023, while Ethiopia grew from 2,230 MW to 5,545 MW over the same period.
Asia continues to dominate the renewable energy space, with China and India being significant contributors. China alone boasted a renewable energy capacity of 1,453,701 MW in 2023, growing from 414,651 MW in 2014, while India reached 175,934 MW, up from 71,892 MW.
Oceania, led by Australia, saw its renewable capacity grow from 24,206 MW in 2014 to 64,400 MW in 2023. Australia’s contribution is notable, with its capacity rising from 16,220 MW to 54,834 MW.
Hydropower
In 2023, the total installed capacity of hydropower reached 1,384,533 MW. Hydropower is the most significant renewable source in regions like South America, which boasts 289,663 MW of total renewable energy capacity, with a large portion attributed to hydropower.
Brazil is a dominant player in this sector, with 194,085 MW of renewable capacity by 2023, up from 106,445 MW in 2014, primarily driven by its extensive hydropower resources. Other countries with notable hydropower contributions include Canada (108,718 MW) and Norway (40,211 MW).
Wind Energy
Wind energy has experienced exponential growth worldwide, particularly in Europe, North America, and Asia. In 2023, the total installed wind energy capacity globally was 906,060 MW.
Europe has been a key player in wind energy expansion, with countries like Germany leading the charge. Germany’s wind capacity grew from 90,325 MW in 2014 to 166,939 MW in 2023. The United Kingdom also saw significant growth, with a capacity of 55,720 MW by 2023.
Asia, particularly China, has made considerable strides in wind energy, reaching 310,258 MW in 2023. Offshore wind installations in China have played a critical role in this expansion.
The North American market, dominated by the United States, reached a wind energy capacity of 385,205 MW.
Solar Energy
Solar energy has experienced the most rapid expansion among all renewable energy technologies. The global solar capacity reached 1,084,260 MW in 2023, a sharp rise from 413,093 MW in 2014. This growth is driven by both utility-scale solar projects and decentralized solar installations.
Asia continues to dominate in this sector, with China and India being the largest contributors. China’s solar capacity grew to 501,958 MW in 2023, while India achieved 66,679 MW.
Europe also saw substantial growth in solar energy, with Spain’s capacity increasing to 80,136 MW in 2023, up from 46,850 MW in 2014. Similarly, Germany expanded its solar capacity to 66,459 MW over the same period.
Bioenergy
Bioenergy has grown steadily, with the global installed capacity reaching 164,012 MW in 2023. Bioenergy encompasses a wide range of technologies, including solid biofuels, liquid biofuels, and biogas.
Europe leads in bioenergy, with countries like Germany and the United Kingdom being significant contributors. Germany’s bioenergy capacity reached 13,302 MW in 2023, while the United Kingdom achieved 8,537 MW.
Geothermal Energy
In 2023, the total installed geothermal capacity reached 15,749 MW, with the United States leading the sector at 3,715 MW.
Other notable contributors to geothermal energy include Indonesia (2,270 MW) and the Philippines (1,918 MW). Geothermal energy provides a stable, baseload power supply, making it a valuable resource for countries with geothermal potential.
Off-Grid Renewable Energy
In 2023, the total off-grid renewable energy capacity reached 11,021 MW, with solar photovoltaic being the most prominent technology.
Africa has made significant progress in off-grid solar, particularly in countries like Kenya and Ethiopia. Kenya’s off-grid capacity grew to 2,736 MW in 2023, driven by innovative financing models and government support.
From hydropower and wind to solar and bioenergy, the world is witnessing a profound shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. This transition is critical in the global fight against climate change, and the continued growth of renewable energy technologies will play a central role in achieving a sustainable energy future.
This article is based on data from the IRENA Renewable Energy Statistics 2024 report.