A new record growth of renewable energy is predicted in 2022

A new record growth of renewable energy is predicted in 2022 shutterstock
Olena Yatseno

Among the reasons for the accelerated green transition is the Russian invasion of Ukraine

This year, the annual increase in renewable energy capacity in the world will reach 320 GW.

Such forecasts were expressed in the new report International Energy Agency (IEA), published last week.

It is noted that in 2021, a record 295 GW of renewable energy capacity was commissioned worldwide, more than the IEA predicted a year ago. At the same time, the increase in renewable energy capacity was a record 6%, despite ongoing supply chain problems caused by the pandemic, construction delays and record high prices for raw materials and goods.

In their latest renewable energy market report, IEA analysts suggested that new capacity to generate electricity from solar, wind and other renewable energy sources will rise to record levels in 2022, up more than 8% year-over-year by almost 320 GW. Among the leaders named China, Latin America and the European Union.

At the same time, about 60% of new installations will be provided by photovoltaic solar energy, which for several years has been the largest sector of the world energy sector (not only RES) in terms of input capacity and attracted investments.

Growing concerns about climate change and energy security will contribute to these indicators.

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said the Russian invasion of Ukraine has accelerated the clean energy transition as governments are increasingly looking to reap the energy security and climate benefits associated with renewables.

“The development of the energy market in recent months, especially in Europe, has once again proved the important role of renewables in improving energy security, in addition to reducing emissions,” he said. The introduction of renewable energy sources are some of the most important actions that governments can take to address today's energy security and market challenges while maintaining the ability to achieve our international climate goals."

As reported EcoPolitics Earlier, the executive director of the Solar Energy Association of Ukraine Artem Semenishin called the war unleashed by Russia in Ukraine also war against renewable energy.

Related
Almost half a billion: the Decarbonisation Fund’s summer performance review
Almost half a billion: the Decarbonisation Fund’s summer performance review

The fund has also received funding from UNIDO for industrial decarbonisation. It is not known exactly which projects the funds will be spent on

The Rada has passed a law on renewable energy as part of Ukraine’s European integration
The Rada has passed a law on renewable energy as part of Ukraine’s European integration

Parliament is convinced that its provisions will make renewable energy sources more attractive to investors

Ukraine has broken into the top five energy storage markets in Europe
Ukraine has broken into the top five energy storage markets in Europe

For the country, the development of this sector is a matter of sustainability

5 ‘eco-friendly’ solutions that actually make things worse for the environment
5 ‘eco-friendly’ solutions that actually make things worse for the environment

We explain why good intentions alone do not guarantee environmental benefits