Renewable Energy Capacity Jumps 15%

Annual investments in renewable energy reached record levels, again, in 2006.

Photo: REN21

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Wind solar power investments led the world to a 15% increase in renewable energy capacity in 2007, according to a new report by the Renewable Energy Policy for the 21st Century.

The tally, which excludes large hydropower, means that renewable energy now accounts for 5.5% of the world's energy generating capacity.

Here's a snapshot of the growth rate for major renewable energy sources in 2006:

• Wind: 25-30%
• Solar: PV 50-60%
• Solar Thermal: 15-20%
• Biofuels: 15-20%

The report estimates that global investment in renewable energy will exceed $100 billion in 2007, (including large hydropower).

Another interesting fact: China leads the world in capacity of solar-powered hot water heating capacity, with a staggering 65.4% of the world's generating capacity. Germany, meanwhile, leads in wind generation, though the United States built the most wind capacity in 2006, showing perhaps that all countries have something to learn from one another.

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