KUALA LUMPUR (April 14): Renewables ended 2021 accounting for 38% of total power plant on the planet, making up an “unprecedented” 81% of global capacity additions, and adding some 257GW of new clean energy production worldwide,

Renewable energy continued to grow and gain momentum despite global uncertainties.

By the end of 2021, global renewable generation capacity amounted to 3 064 Gigawatt (GW), increasing the stock of renewable power by 9.1%, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

In its Renewable Capacity Statistics 2022 report released on Wednesday (April 13), the agency said solar and wind continued to dominate new generating capacity.

It said that together, both technologies contributed 88% to the share of all new renewable capacity in 2021.

It said solar capacity led with 19% increase, followed by wind energy, which increased its generating capacity by 13%.

IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera said this continued progress is another testament of renewable energy’s resilience.

“Its strong performance last year represents more opportunities for countries to reap renewables’ multiple socio-economic benefits.

“Our current energy crisis also adds to the evidence that the world can no longer rely on fossil fuels to meet its energy demand.

“Money directed to fossil fuel power plants yields unrewarding results, both for the survival of a nation and the planet.

“Renewable power should become the norm across the globe. We must mobilise the political will to accelerate the 1.5°C pathway,” he said.

IRENA said that to achieve climate goals, renewables must grow at a faster pace than energy demand.

However, it said many countries have not reached this point yet, despite significantly increasing the use of renewables for electricity generation.