Renewable power generating capacity growing fast
Over the next six years renewables are expected to account for 80% of the total new power generation
Last year renewable power generating capacity grew at its fastest pace ever, reaching 22% of the global total and matching natural gas' share of the energy mix, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Renewable energy's rise has been fuelled by falling costs and environmental mandates to cut carbon emissions. Renewables are expected to account for nearly 80% of total new power generation over the next six years, the IEA says in its new Renewable Energy Medium-Term Market Report, which forecasts trends in renewable energy demand and production from 2013 to 2020. Electricity generation from renewable sources increased by 5% year-on-year in 2013, to nearly 5070 terawatt hours (TWh)
Also in this section
9 January 2026
A shift in perspective is needed on the carbon challenge, the success of which will determine the speed and extent of emissions cuts and how industries adapt to the new environment
2 January 2026
This year may be a defining one for carbon capture, utilisation and storage in the US, despite the institutional uncertainty
23 December 2025
Legislative reform in Germany sets the stage for commercial carbon capture and transport at a national level, while the UK has already seen financial close on major CCS clusters
15 December 2025
Net zero is not the problem for the UK’s power system. The real issue is with an outdated market design in desperate need of modernisation






