Renewable energy capacity last year beat the previous record by almost 50% with more than 260 gigawatts (GW) despite the Covid-19 pandemic, a report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) showed on Monday.

IRENA's annual Renewable Capacity Statistics 2021 shows that renewable energy’s share of all new generating capacity rose considerably for the second year in a row.

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 report, by the end of 2020, global clean energy capacity amounted to 2,799 GW with hydropower still accounting for the largest share at 1,211 GW, although solar and wind are catching up fast.

"The two variable sources of renewables dominated capacity expansion in 2020 with 127 GW and 111 GW of new installations for solar and wind, respectively," the report said.

Commenting on the report IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera said the numbers tell a remarkable story of resilience and hope.

He also added that despite the challenges and the uncertainty of 2020, renewable energy emerged as a source of undeniable optimism for a better, more equitable, resilient, clean and just future.

By Gulsen Cagatay

Anadolu Agency

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