Renewable energy

Renewable energy is derived from natural processes that are regularly replenished. Renewable energy sources and technologies include solar power, wind power, hydropower, geothermal energy, biomass, and biofuels. Each of these has unique characteristics which influence how and where they are used.

About 18% of global final energy consumption comes from renewables, with 13% from traditional biomass (which is mainly used for heating) and 3% from hydroelectricity. The share of renewables in electricity generation is around 18%, with 15% of global electricity coming from hydroelectricity and 3.4% from new renewables (small hydro, modern biomass, wind, solar, geothermal, and biofuels).

According to the International Energy Agency, renewable energy technologies can play an important role in addressing the challenges of moving towards clean, reliable, secure and competitive energy supply. Many countries have made progress in promoting renewables in their energy mix, but obstacles remain and, says the IEA, greater efforts are needed.