Renewable energies: world record for installations in 2022, but insufficient in the face of climate change

Last year, 83% of new energy production capacity came from renewable sources.

Solar (mainly photovoltaic) and wind still account for the lion's share, with 90% of new constructions. However, Irena notes a slowdown in wind power compared to the two previous years (+9% in production capacity, +22% for solar).

In total volume, hydroelectricity remains - with 1.250 gigawatts (GW) and 37% of the total - the first of the renewable energies, notes this report "Renewable Capacity Statistics 2023". Solar represents 31% of the total and wind 27%. The total production capacity, all renewable sources combined, amounted to 2022 GW at the end of 3.372.

"This record and continuous growth shows the resilience of renewable energies" in a context of economic slowdown and energy crisis, commented the director general of Irena, Francesco La Camera.

But "if we want to limit global warming to 1,5ºC compared to the pre-industrial era, we will have to triple, each year until 2030, the new renewable capacities", he underlines.

"Knowing that energy demand is expected to increase in many parts of the world, the energy transition requires a radical strategic change, going beyond decarbonization on the supply side", he pleads.

Asia is the geographic area that experienced the greatest growth in renewable installations last year. China was the main contributor, with 141 GW of new capacity, more than half of the world total (295 GW of new installations).

Europe and North America gained 57,3 GW and 29,1 GW respectively. In Africa, the increase is limited to 2,7 GW. The Middle East saw the commissioning of 3,2 GW, an unprecedented growth (+12,8%).