Renewables 2010 Global Status Report

Changes in renewable energy markets, investments, indus- tries, and policies have been so rapid in recent years that perceptions of the status of renewable energy can lag years behind the reality. This report captures that reality and pro- vides a unique overview of renewable energy worldwide as of early 2010. The report covers both current status and key trends. By design, the report does not provide analysis, dis- cuss current issues, or forecast the future. Many of the trends reflect the increasing significance of renewable energy relative to conventional energy sources (including coal, gas, oil, and nuclear). By 2010, renewable energy had reached a clear tipping point in the context of global energy supply. Renewables comprised fully one- quarter of global power capacity from all sources and deliv- ered 18 percent of global electricity supply in 2009. In a number of countries, renewables represent a rapidly grow- ing share of total energy supply—including heat and trans- port. The share of households worldwide employing solar hot water heating continues to increase and is now estima- ted at 70 million households. And investment in new renewable power capacity in both 2008 and 2009 repre- sented over half of total global investment in new power generation.