Global renewable energy industry - statistics & facts

Renewable energy is characterized by the use of resources that can be naturally renewed within a human lifetime. Sources of renewable energy include sunlight, wind, wood residues, waves, and geothermal heat. The use of renewables has grown due to several factors such as concerns about the environmental impacts of conventional fossil fuel sources, growing populations and urbanization, as well as the decreasing cost of renewable technologies. Desire for energy security has also spurred the use of renewable energy and distributed energy generation within the electric power distribution system. However, a system that relies wholly on decentralized energy may not yet be possible in most places due to technological shortcomings and antiquated infrastructure. Using large-scale renewable projects for rural areas or developing countries can also benefit these regions, as electricity in these areas is typically of poor quality, inefficiently used, and unreliably supplied. Using renewable energy can improve quality of life and economic production, and benefit the environment.

Renewable energy markets

In early 2000s, only a few companies outside of Europe and North America had implemented policies and targets to increase renewable energy capacity, but a over a decade later, the vast majority of countries around the globe have established their own renewable targets. China has recently become a world leader in renewable energy and invests heavily into renewable energy technologies. China and the United States are the leaders in the consumption of renewable energies worldwide and have both experienced a steady increase in their consumption of renewables. In 2021, China consumed 11.32 exajoules of renewable energy, an increase of more than 30 percent on comparison with the previous year.

Renewable energy companies

Electricity utilities are increasingly noting the importance of providing renewable energy and many are investing in these technologies and setting specific renewable goals. Some leading companies in the sector include NextEra Energy, Iberdrola, and Orsted. The Spanish-based utility Iberdrola had an installed renewable capacity of over 38 gigawatts in 2021, whereas Orsted, a Danish company focused on the development and operation of renewable energy sources, reached a renewable capacity of 15.1 gigawatts at the end of 2022.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by Lucía Fernández, Apr 12, 2024

Key insights

Country with most installed renewable capacity
China
Renewable energy capacity worldwide
3,372 GW
Global renewable energy consumption
45.18 exajoules
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Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

New investment in renewable energy worldwide from 2004 to 2022 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Renewable Energy

Worldwide investment in renewable energy 2004-2022

Leading renewable energy companies worldwide in 2022, based on revenue (in billion U.S. dollars)

Renewable Energy

Leading renewable energy companies worldwide 2022, by revenue

Share of renewable energy in electricity generation globally from 2007 to 2022

Renewable Energy

Share of renewables in global power production 2007-2022

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Overview

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Overview

Capacity

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Generation

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Consumption

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Consumption

Companies

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Companies

Investment

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Investment

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