In 2016, solar energy for the first time overtook other energy sources in terms of growth rates.

According to a new report by the International Energy Agency, in 2016, 165 GW of generating capacity from renewable energy sources were commissioned. The largest increase - 74 GW of added capacity - accounted for solar panels, which for the first time surpassed coal-fired power plants, which accounted for 57 GW of capacity growth. 52 GW of wind power generating capacities were also commissioned.

In total for 2016, renewable sources accounted for 2/3 of the total increase in generating capacity.

Growth of generating capacity in 2016 according to EIA

From 2011 to 2016, the largest increase in renewable energy capacity was in China (318 GW), the European Union (160 GW) and the USA (86 GW). According to the EIA forecast until 2022, China, the USA and India will be among the top three leaders in renewable energy. The increase in the number of commissioned generating capacities is also projected in other countries: Japan, India, Brazil, countries of the Middle East and Africa

Expected growth of generating capacity of renewable energy sources by countries and regions, taking into account the observed additional acceleration

According to Dr. Fati Birol, EIA Executive Director, a total of about 1000 GW of renewable energy is expected to increase by 2022, which is about half of the global generating capacity of coal-fired power plants put into operation over the past 80 years.