An exploit that saw an increase in electricity from renewable sources of 15% between the months of January and October alone. An enormity compared to the same period last year.
A near future that cannot be greener
The Paris-based agency's Renewables 2020 report comes as the oil sector faces a collapse (irreversible?) due to the pandemic and beyond.
Net installed renewable capacity is expected to grow by nearly 4% globally in 2020 and renewable energy will represent nearly 90% of the increase in total energy capacity worldwide, according to the IEA.
Looking further ahead, “the total installed wind and solar capacity is set to overtake natural gas in 2023 and coal in 2024“, The report states.
Beyond the rosiest forecasts
Carbon Brief, in his analysis of the International Energy Agency's report, noted that "wind and solar capacity will double over the next five years globally and exceed that of gas and coal."
Last year, the Carbon Brief analysis of IEA data found that renewable energy was expected to outstrip coal production over the next five years in its most optimistic scenario.
This year the forecast has changed. Wind, solar, hydro and biomass will take the lead within the next five years even in the most conservative scenario.
"Renewable energy is challenging the difficulties caused by the pandemic, showing robust growth while others fuel the struggle," he said. Fatih Birol, executive director of the IEA.
The industry's resilience and positive outlook are clearly reflected in the continuing strong appetite of investors - and the future looks even brighter with new capabilities being added to set new records this year and next.
Fatih Birol, IEA Executive Director
IEA and the impact of "Sleepy Joe"
Birol also pointed to the US and the impact the upcoming Biden administration will have on the direction of energy policy. The chief of the IEA said that “if the proposed clean electricity policies of the next US administration are implemented, they will lead to a much faster deployment of solar, photovoltaic and wind. The decarbonisation of the energy sector will be even faster ”.
Despite the recent growth of renewables and the projections of the International Energy Agency, policy makers around the world do not seem to prioritize renewables. Especially in the Covid-19 relief measures, even in the face of constant requests from climate activists for a just and green recovery.
Coronavirus recovery funds spent by governments are still going to many fossil fuel sectors versus green projects. We need a greener recovery, it is an opportunity not to be missed for anything in the world.
For some activists and climate experts, the IEA report is indicative. He stressed why governments should focus on financing renewable energy rather than fossil fuels.
But the good news is there: renewable energy continues to grow. Because? Because it is cheaper. And why it's better than fossil fuels.
