Renewable energy experiencing double-digit growth worldwide

The Renewables 2011 Global Status Report (GSR) published by the REN21 policy network today confirms that there is a global trend toward renewable energy and highlights Germany's leading position in the sector. Renewable energy accounted for some 16 per cent of final energy consumption worldwide and for almost 20 per cent of electricity consumption in 2010, reflecting continuous growth.

Jürgen Becker, State Secretary in the German Environment Ministry, said: "Worldwide, the share of renewable energy in power generation is significantly higher than that of nuclear power. Through its decision for a transformation of the energy system, Germany has adopted a clear position. The far-reaching revamping of energy supply on the way to the age of renewable energy means, above all, an opportunity for future generations. This decision has sent important investment signals, encouraging innovation and technological progress."

Gudrun Kopp, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, made the following statement: "The German government supports the global rise of renewable energy, which is creating new markets and economic growth. Emerging economies, too, have committed themselves to further improve the general environment for renewable energy. For example, the G-20 countries resolved to reduce inefficient subsidies for fossil energy and to encourage climate-friendly energy sources."

Global investment in renewable energy increased by more than a third in 2010, reaching a total of 211 billion US dollars (in 2009, it was 160 billion US dollars). Political targets and support policies continue to be crucial for the expansion of renewable energy. There are at least 191 countries that have adopted relevant national goals or policies (in 2005, there were only 55). Developing and emerging economies are becoming more active in this regard.

In 2010, the greatest increase took place in the field of wind energy, followed by hydropower and photovoltaics. However, 2010 was also the first year in which Europe saw a greater increase in photovoltaic capacity than in wind capacity. The instalment of additional photovoltaic capacity in Germany in 2010 exceeded total global additional capacity in 2009, making Germany the world leader in on-grid photovoltaic systems. In 2010, China was the only country to invest more in new power generation capacity from renewable sources than Germany. The third largest investor was the U.S.

The Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21) is a global network that was formed in 2005 after the "renewables 2004" conference in Bonn. It unites governments, international organisations and nongovernmental organisations as well as representatives of the private sector, the financial sector, and civil society organisations from the energy, environment and development spheres.