The 300 GW “barrier” is expected to be overcome this year by the global installed capacity of renewable energy sources for the first time in history, with “flagships” China and the countries of the European Union.
According to a new report by the International Energy Agency, the total installed capacity of RES is expected to increase by 8% this year compared to last year, exceeding the “reef” of 300 GW for the first time. Photovoltaics maintain the “lion’s share” representing 60% of this increase worldwide, with total operating power estimated at 190 GW, 25% more than last year.
Another interesting fact recorded in the IEA report is that almost 2/3 of the new solar projects that will be added this year relate to large-scale projects (utility-scale projects) and which are mainly “met” in China and the European Union.
Less “ambitions” than wind
After a significant decline of 32% in 2021, new onshore wind farms are expected to recover slightly this year, reaching almost 80 GW. More pessimistic are the estimates for offshore wind farms, where the International Energy Agency estimates that they will move by 40% in 2022, after a quadrupling due to China and the deadline for subsidizing projects.
Despite the decline, new offshore wind farms will continue to double in 2020, thanks to China’s provincial incentives and technology development within the EU. As a result, China is expected to maintain its “lead”. globally in terms of installed strength and surpass the EU and UK together by the end of the year.
The same in 2023 unless …
Regarding 2023, the IEA emphasizes that the growth rate of RES for new projects will remain stable compared to 2022, unless new and stronger policies are promoted and implemented in 2023 and contribute to the even faster development of new RES projects.
