1. 2020 was a record year for renewables
More than 80% of all new electricity capacity added last year was renewable, with solar and wind accounting for 91% of new renewables, according to the agency’s Renewable Capacity Statistics 2021. Total fossil fuel additions fell from 64GW to 60GW over the same period.
“These numbers tell a remarkable story of resilience and hope,” IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera said.
Renewable energy use is soaring globally.
Image: Renewable capacity highlights 2021, International Renewable Energy Agency
2. Britain had its greenest day on record
Easter Monday, 5 April, broke a renewable energy record for Great Britain.
The nation’s electricity grid reached the greenest it’s ever been, with zero-carbon power sources including wind, solar and nuclear making up 80% of the energy mix.