- Renewable electricity production increased by 6.3 percent in 2017
- China and the USA were responsible for 50 percent of the growth
- Renewable energies record eight percent growth in the EU
In 2017, renewable production increased by 6.3 percent worldwide. This means it now accounts for 25 percent of global electricity generation. This means that it plays a decisive role in meeting the 2.1 percent increase in global electricity demand.
India and China are primarily responsible for the increased energy demand. The latter, together with the USA, are responsible for 50 percent of the growth in renewable energies. Nevertheless, coal and gas are still primarily responsible for meeting the demand for electricity – although this does not make the growth rate of renewable energies any less impressive. The EU was also able to grow by eight percent last year, while India and Japan can boast six percent growth.
Among the renewable energies, wind and solar continue to lead with 36 and 27 percent respectively. China is primarily responsible for the expansion of photovoltaics, as more than 50 gigawatts have now been installed in the Middle Kingdom. Hydropower comes third in the ranking of renewable energies with 22 percent. Slightly behind in fourth place is bioenergy with 12 percent. Despite the lack of investment, the share of biofuel rose by two percent.
Energy transition on a good path – but not yet at the finish line
Despite the steady growth of clean energies, CO2 emissions also rose by 1.4 percent to 32.5 gigatonnes. After three years of stagnation, emissions have thus reached an unprecedented high. However, the USA, Great Britain and Mexico can show declining figures.
The latest findings of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research bring new alarming insights into climate change. The Gulf Stream system, and thus one of the world’s essential heat transport systems, is particularly negatively affected and has currently reached its weakest point to date.
Global warming caused by greenhouse gases from fossil fuels is still considered the main suspect for man-made climate change.
This makes it clear that the expansion of renewable energies, and in connection with this above all the reduction of coal and gas, is more important today than ever before.
To the article: https://www.erneuerbareenergien.de/25-prozent-des-globalen-stroms-kamen-2017-von-erneuerbaren/150/437/107575/