Nearly half of the Earth’s new electricity comes from renewable energy sources

Nearly half, or 44 per cent, of the Earth’s new electricity production comes from renewable sources, such as wind energy, solar power and water power.

At the same time, the prices of wind and solar electricity are crashing down. The popularity of the renewables continues, even though investments into renewable energy production decreased 14 per cent in 2013.

In 2013, China invested approximately 40 billion euros in renewable and green energy, according to a report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Britain already invests more in renewables than Germany, which said it would give up nuclear power. In Japan, investments in renewables grew 80 per cent, perhaps as a result of the aftermath of the Fukushima accident.

In five years, solar energy production has become 25 per cent less expensive and wind power production 53 per cent less expensive.

More and more renewable energy projects are profitable without guaranteed prices or other subsidies.

Even though growth continues, only about 8.5 per cent of the Earth’s electricity is produced through renewables.

Timo Paukku – HS
Meri Rantama – HT