The leading countries for installed renewable energy in 2024 were China, the United States, and Brazil. China was the leader in renewable energy installations, with a capacity of around 1,827 gigawatts. The U.S., in second place, had a capacity of around 428 gigawatts. Renewable energy is an important step in addressing climate change and mitigating the consequences of this phenomenon. Renewable energy capacity and productionRenewable power capacity is defined as the maximum generating capacity of installations that use renewable sources to generate electricity. The share of renewable energy in the world’s power production has increased in recent years, surpassing 30 percent in 2023. Renewable energy consumption varies from country to country. The leading countries for renewable energy consumption are China, the United States, and Canada.Renewable energy sourcesThere are various sources of renewable energy used globally, including bioenergy, solar energy, hydropower, and wind energy, to name a few. Globally, China and Brazil are the top two countries in terms of generating the most energy through hydropower. Regarding solar power, China, the United States, and Japan boast the highest installed capacities worldwide.

This table expresses the use of renewable energy as gross final consumption of energy. Figures are presented in an absolute way, as well as related to the total energy use in the Netherlands. The total gross final energy consumption in the Netherlands (the denominator used to calculate the percentage of renewable energy per ‘Energy sources and techniques’) can be found in the table as ‘Total, including non-renewables’ and Energy application ‘Total’. The gross final energy consumption for the energy applications ‘Electricity’ and ‘Heat’ are also available. With these figures the percentages of the different energy sources and applications can be calculated; these values are not available in this table. The gross final energy consumption for ‘Transport’ is not available because of the complexity to calculate this. More information on this can be found in the yearly publication ‘Hernieuwbare energie in Nederland’.

Renewable energy is energy from wind, hydro power, the sun, the earth, heat from outdoor air and biomass. This is energy from natural processes that is replenished constantly.

The figures are broken down into energy source/technique and into energy application (electricity, heat and transport).

This table focuses on the share of renewable energy according to the EU Renewable Energy Directive. Under this directive, countries can apply an administrative transfer by purchasing renewable energy from countries that have consumed more renewable energy than the agreed target. For 2020, the Netherlands has implemented such a transfer by purchasing renewable energy from Denmark. This transfer has been made visible in this table as a separate energy source/technique and two totals are included; a total with statistical transfer and a total without statistical transfer.

Figures for 2020 and before were calculated based on RED I; in accordance with Eurostat these figures will not be modified anymore. Inconsistencies with other tables undergoing updates may occur.

Data available from: 1990

Status of the figures: This table contains definite figures up to and including 2022, figures for 2023 are revised provisional figures and figures for 2024 are provisional.

Changes as of june 2025: Figures for 2024 have been added.

Changes as of January 2025 Renewable cooling has been added as Energy source and technique from 2021 onwards, in accordance with RED II. Figures for 2020 and earlier follow RED I definitions, renewable cooling isn’t a part of these definitions.
The energy application “Heat” has been renamed to “Heating and cooling”, in accordance with RED II definitions. RED II is the current Renewable Energy Directive which entered into force in 2021

Changes as of November 15th 2024 Figures for 2021-2023 have been adjusted. 2022 is now definitive, 2023 stays revised provisional. Because of new insights for windmills regarding own electricity use and capacity, figures on 2021 have been revised.

Changes as of March 2024: Figures of the total energy applications of biogas, co-digestion of manure and other biogas have been restored for 2021 and 2022. The final energy consumption of non-compliant biogas (according to RED II) was wrongly included in the total final consumption of these types of biogas. Figures of total biogas, total biomass and total renewable energy were not influenced by this and therefore not adjusted.

When will new figures be published? Provisional figures on the gross final consumption of renewable energy in broad outlines for the previous year are published each year in June. Revised provisional figures for the previous year appear each year in June.

In November all figures on the consumption of renewable energy in the previous year will be published. These figures remain revised provisional, definite figures appear in November two years after the reporting year. Most important (expected) changes between revised provisional figures in November and definite figures a year later are the figures on solar photovoltaic energy. The figures on the share of total energy consumption in the Netherlands could also still be changed by the availability of adjusted figures on total energy consumption.

Germany led Europe in renewable energy consumption, with *****exajoules consumed in 2024, up from *****exajoules in 2015. *******and *******************followed as the second and third-largest consumers, highlighting a broader trend of increased renewable energy use across the continent. Renewable energy production and capacity Germany's dominance in renewable energy consumption is mirrored in its production and capacity figures. In 2023, Germany's renewable energy production amounted to approximately *** terawatt-hours, far surpassing other European nations. The country also boasted the largest installed renewable energy capacity in Europe, with almost ****gigawatts as of 2024. This substantial capacity allows Germany to meet its high renewable energy consumption needs and contributes to its leadership in the sector. European renewable energy landscape The broader European renewable energy landscape shows a promising growth. Total renewable energy consumption in Europe reached about ** exajoules in 2023, marking a nine percent increase from the previous year. Wind power has emerged as the primary renewable source in the European Union's electricity mix since 2017, accounting for over ** percent of the EU's renewable mix in 2023.

In 2021, Austria was the country with the largest share of renewables in final electricity consumption within the European Union, with more than 76 percent. Sweden followed, with a share of 75.7 percent. In contrast, Malta ranked last within the EU, with renewables accounting for less than 10 percent of final electricity consumption in the country that year.

China dominated the renewable energy consumption globally and in the Asia-Pacific region, with the country consuming **** exajoules in 2023. This level far surpasses that of other major economies in the region, including India and Japan, which consumed *** and *** exajoules, respectively. Leading renewable energy markets China, India, Japan, and Vietnam are among the leading renewable energy markets in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, with increasing investments in the development of renewable energy. Moreover, Australia has focused particularly on the development of solar and wind energy, with around ** percent of its electricity coming from solar power and about ** percent of its power generation coming from wind. Australia has the largest share of wind and solar power in the electricity mix among APAC countries. China has continued to see the largest investments globally in energy transition, while India is also attracting significant investments. Southeast Asian markets have emerged as potential renewable energy markets, with Vietnam making the most progress in capacity expansion. However, these emerging markets face persistent energy infrastructure, policy, and financing challenges that must be addressed in order to speed up the transition to clean energy. The dual challenge: rising energy demand and carbon emissions in Asia-Pacific Despite these advances in renewable energy, APAC is still heavily reliant on fossil fuels to meet its rapidly growing energy demand from expanding cities and industries. Coal still accounts for over half of APAC’s power generation, with China consuming the largest share. Unsurprisingly, the region remains the world’s largest energy-related carbon dioxide emitter. China, in particular, is the leading source of CO2 emissions from fuel combustion. In 2023, the country emitted nearly **** billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, exceeding the combined emissions of the United States, India, Russia, and Japan. This situation underscores the complex challenge facing rapidly developing economies: how to sustain economic growth, meet rising energy needs, and improve living standards while curbing carbon emissions and ensuring a just and inclusive energy transition.

The share of renewable energies in electricity generation in Sweden grew from ***** percent in 2000 to ***** percent in 2023. Sweden is one of the countries with the highest penetration of renewables worldwide, and produces most of its electricity from hydropower, which accounted for roughly ** percent of the total generation in 2024. Wind energy is also a growing contributor to the country’s energy mix, accounting for a share of ** percent during that year. By 2030, Sweden aims to reach a 100 percent share of renewables in electricity. Renewable energy expansion across sectors Sweden's progress in renewable electricity generation aligns with its broader efforts to integrate clean energy across various sectors. In 2022, renewables accounted for ** percent of total energy consumption, the highest share recorded in recent years. This comprehensive approach extends to heating and cooling, where renewable sources made up **** percent of the energy mix in 2023. Solid biofuels, biogas, and renewable waste are some of the main sources used in renewable heating in Sweden. The consistent renewable adoption across different sectors reflects Sweden's holistic approach to sustainable energy.
Sweden’s renewable capacity and generation Sweden's total renewable energy capacity reached approximately **** terawatts in 2023, growing by more than ** percent since 2009. This capacity growth has translated into increased generation, with renewable electricity production reaching *** terawatt hours in 2024. These figures cement Sweden's position as one of the countries with the highest share of renewables over the total energy consumption.

This scatter chart displays birth rate (per 1,000 people) against renewable energy consumption (% of total final energy consumption). The data is about countries.

As of February 2025, several countries across the European Union had established ambitious renewable power targets. Estonia and Denmark plan to achieve almost 100 percent renewable electricity generation by 2030. In contrast, Poland's renewable energy targets for that year were just over 50 percent. According to the EU Renewable Energy Directive, countries in the European Union must reach a share of at least 42.5 percent of renewables in their total energy consumption, although the directive encourages to aim for 45 percent. Renewable energy pipeline in Europe The further deployment of renewable technologies in the region is essential to achieve these targets. As of February 2025, prospective wind energy projects in Europe’s renewable pipeline amounted to more than 645 gigawatts, although from this, only 22 megawatts were already in the construction stage. Northern Europe accounted for most of the wind energy planned capacity in the region. Regarding solar, Europe had a utility-scale prospective capacity of 255 gigawatts, with Southern Europe accounting for most of planned installations.
Europe’s wind and solar outlook In the next years, wind and solar installations are forecast to more than double in the European Union. It is estimated that in 2030, the region’s solar capacity will amount to some 625 gigawatts, growing from the 257 gigawatts operating at the end of 2023. For wind, forecasts point to an installed capacity of roughly 400 gigawatts by 2030. Approximately 20 percent of this capacity will correspond to offshore installations.

This scatter chart displays death rate (per 1,000 people) against renewable energy consumption (% of total final energy consumption) in Europe. The data is about countries.

This dataset is about countries per year in Dominican Republic. It has 64 rows. It features 4 columns: country, renewable energy consumption, and proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments.

This dataset is about countries per year in Africa. It has 3,456 rows. It features 4 columns: country, renewable energy consumption, and death rate.

This dataset is about countries per year in Georgia. It has 64 rows. It features 4 columns: country, renewable energy consumption, and death rate.

Many African countries have set renewable energy targets so that there would be a shift in the energy mix toward clean energy resources. Some nations were particularly ambitious. Cabo Verde aimed to generate power solely from renewables by 2030, while Uganda's target was to have 90 percent of the total energy coming from renewable resources by the same year.

In the fiscal year 2023, the share of renewable energy in electricity generation in Japan reached approximately **** percent. Figures increased compared to around *** percent in fiscal 2011. Main energy sources for electricity generation in Japan The nuclear disaster in 2011 affected the electricity market in Japan insofar that nuclear energy was replaced by fossil fuels. Natural gas and coal represented the energy sources with the largest share of the total electricity production in Japan. Since the archipelago lacks domestic reserves of fossil fuels, it is dependent on imports. This resulted in a declining self-sufficiency rate of primary energy, and an increase in electricity costs for homes shortly after the disaster. To be more independent of fossil fuel imports as well as to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and electric power costs, the country's current energy policy aims to replace fossil fuels with nuclear and renewable energy sources. Renewable energy in Japan In recent years, Japan was one of the largest hydroelectric power generating countries. Solar and hydroelectric power represented the renewable energy sources with the largest share in the electricity production. Since Japan is a mountainous country, there is a lack of space for other renewable power facilities such as wind farms. Wind power currently produces only a small amount of the electricity supply. Therefore, the Japanese government presently supports the expansion of offshore wind farms. In 2020, the Japanese government announced its intention for the country to become entirely emission-free by 2050. Nevertheless, there has been international criticism that Japan is unlikely to expand its renewable energy share sufficiently to achieve this goal.

Renewable Power Market Outlook

The global renewable power market size was valued at approximately USD 1.2 trillion in 2023, and it is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8% to reach USD 2.2 trillion by 2032. This robust growth is primarily driven by increasing governmental support for sustainable energy, technological advancements, and a growing recognition of the environmental hazards associated with fossil fuels. The transition towards clean energy is further propelled by international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, which mandates significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions across the globe. The demand for renewable energy sources is further fueled by their decreasing cost, making them increasingly competitive with traditional energy sources. As more countries continue to invest in infrastructure to harness renewable energy, the market is set to experience unprecedented growth.

One of the key growth factors in the renewable power market is the global shift towards decarbonization, which is a critical element in combating climate change. Countries around the world are implementing more stringent policies to reduce their carbon footprints, aiming for net-zero emissions. This is driving investment in renewable power infrastructure, as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power become integral components of national energy strategies. Additionally, technological innovation in energy storage, smart grids, and energy-efficient appliances is enabling a more reliable and efficient use of renewable energy sources, further supporting market expansion.

Another significant factor contributing to market growth is the declining cost of renewable energy technologies, particularly solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind power. Over the past decade, the cost of these technologies has decreased dramatically, making them cost-competitive with conventional fossil fuels. This price parity has encouraged widespread adoption in both developed and developing nations, as renewable energy becomes a financially viable option for power generation. Furthermore, advancements in technology are improving the efficiency and performance of renewable energy systems, enhancing their appeal to both individual consumers and large-scale utility providers.

Government incentives and subsidies are also playing a pivotal role in the growth of the renewable power market. Many countries are offering tax credits, rebates, and other financial incentives to encourage the adoption of renewable energy solutions. These governmental measures not only make renewable energy more affordable for consumers but also stimulate investment in research and development, fostering innovation and driving further cost reductions. Initiatives such as feed-in tariffs and renewable energy certificates are additional mechanisms that bolster the deployment of renewable energy technologies.

The concept of Renewable Energy As A Service is emerging as a transformative approach in the renewable power market. This model allows consumers and businesses to access renewable energy solutions without the burden of upfront costs or the complexities of system ownership. By offering renewable energy as a service, providers can manage installation, maintenance, and operation, delivering clean energy directly to end-users. This approach not only simplifies the transition to renewable energy for consumers but also accelerates the adoption of sustainable energy practices across various sectors. As more companies and individuals seek to reduce their carbon footprint, Renewable Energy As A Service is poised to play a pivotal role in democratizing access to clean energy solutions.

Energy Source Analysis

Solar energy remains a dominant force within the renewable power market, driven by its versatility, scalability, and rapidly declining costs. The solar market is bifurcated into photovoltaic (PV) systems and concentrated solar power (CSP). PV technology, in particular, has witnessed remarkable growth due to its adaptability for small-scale residential installations as well as large-scale solar farms. Technological advancements in solar panel efficiency and manufacturing processes have played a crucial role in driving down costs, making solar energy one of the most affordable sources of power today. Additionally, innovations in battery storage solutions are enhancing the reliability of solar power, allowing it to supply energy even when the sun is not shining.

Wind energy, encompassing both ons

This scatter chart displays fertility rate (births per woman) against renewable energy consumption (% of total final energy consumption). The data is about countries.

China was the largest producer of renewable energy in the world. In 2020, the country produced nearly ***** billion kilowatt hours of renewable energy. The United States and Germany followed as the second and third largest producers, at *** and ***** billion kilowatt hours, respectively. China’s push for an energy transition As part of its Renewable Energy Development Plan series, China has made the energy transition a key policy issue. Between 2010 and 2020, China’s renewable energy capacity nearly quadrupled. The country’s installed solar capacity increased substantially, from just **** gigawatt hours in 2012 to more than *** gigawatt hours in 2020. Despite these developments, China is still the leading emitter of CO2 by a considerable margin. Renewable energy: a cheaper alternative? The cost of renewable energy sources fell considerably during the last decade. At the same time, global investments towards energy transition are on the rise, reaching *** billion U.S. dollars in 2021. As an energy supply shortage led to skyrocketing prices in Europe and Asia that year, energy independence and less reliance on fossil fuels as a source of energy are becoming more and more attractive to nations around the world.

Goal 7Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for allTarget 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy servicesIndicator 7.1.1: Proportion of population with access to electricityEG_ACS_ELEC: Proportion of population with access to electricity, by urban/rural (%)Indicator 7.1.2: Proportion of population with primary reliance on clean fuels and technologyEG_EGY_CLEAN: Proportion of population with primary reliance on clean fuels and technology (%)Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mixIndicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumptionEG_FEC_RNEW: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption (%)Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiencyIndicator 7.3.1: Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDPEG_EGY_PRIM: Energy intensity level of primary energy (megajoules per constant 2011 purchasing power parity GDP)Target 7.a: By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technologyIndicator 7.a.1: International financial flows to developing countries in support of clean energy research and development and renewable energy production, including in hybrid systemsEG_IFF_RANDN: International financial flows to developing countries in support of clean energy research and development and renewable energy production, including in hybrid systems (millions of constant United States dollars)Target 7.b: By 2030, expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for all in developing countries, in particular least developed countries, small island developing States and landlocked developing countries, in accordance with their respective programmes of supportIndicator 7.b.1: Installed renewable energy-generating capacity in developing countries (in watts per capita)EG_EGY_RNEW: Installed renewable electricity-generating capacity (watts per capita)

In 2023, Germany accounted for the largest production of renewable energy in Europe, with approximately *** terawatt-hours of energy generated. Norway was the second-largest producer, with some *** terawatt-hours less than Germany. In both countries, renewable energy production increased in 2023 compared to 2023. Germany and the Norway were also among the largest renewable energy consumers in Europe in 2023, while the largest renewable energy capacity was installed in Germany.

Renewable Energy Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global renewable energy market size reached USD 1.35 trillion in 2024, reflecting a robust expansion driven by global sustainability initiatives and technological advancements. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.8% from 2025 to 2033, reaching a forecasted value of USD 3.17 trillion by 2033. This exceptional growth is primarily attributed to the increasing adoption of clean energy technologies, government incentives, and the urgent need to mitigate climate change impacts. The renewable energy market is experiencing a paradigm shift as nations and industries prioritize decarbonization and energy security, making it a cornerstone of the global energy transition.

One of the most significant growth factors for the renewable energy market is the escalating global demand for clean and sustainable energy sources. Governments worldwide are implementing stringent policies and offering attractive subsidies to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to renewable alternatives. The Paris Agreement and other international climate accords have set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, compelling countries to invest heavily in renewable infrastructure. This policy-driven momentum is further supported by rising public awareness about environmental issues and the long-term economic benefits of renewable energy, creating a fertile landscape for market expansion.

Technological innovation is another key driver propelling the renewable energy market forward. Advances in photovoltaic cells, wind turbine efficiency, and energy storage solutions have significantly reduced the cost of renewable power generation, making it increasingly competitive with traditional energy sources. The integration of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, IoT, and blockchain is optimizing energy management, grid integration, and predictive maintenance, further enhancing the reliability and scalability of renewable energy systems. As technology continues to evolve, the barriers to entry are diminishing, enabling broader adoption across diverse sectors and geographies.

Another critical growth factor is the increasing participation of the private sector and financial institutions in renewable energy projects. Investments from venture capital, private equity, and green bonds are fueling the development of large-scale solar farms, wind parks, and bioenergy facilities. Corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs) are also gaining traction, with multinational companies committing to sourcing 100% of their energy from renewables. This influx of capital and corporate commitment is accelerating the commercialization of emerging technologies and fostering innovation across the renewable energy value chain, driving sustained market growth.

From a regional perspective, Asia Pacific stands out as the fastest-growing market for renewable energy, led by China, India, and Japan. The region’s rapid industrialization, population growth, and urbanization are creating substantial energy demand, which is increasingly being met through renewable sources. Europe remains a leader in policy innovation and market integration, while North America is witnessing a surge in corporate renewable procurement and decentralized energy systems. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also emerging as key players, leveraging abundant natural resources and international financing to expand their renewable energy portfolios.

Type Analysis

The renewable energy market is segmented by type into solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, bioenergy, geothermal energy, and others. Among these, solar energy has emerged as the dominant segment, accounting for the largest share of new capacity additions in recent years. The widespread adoption of photovoltaic (PV) technology, coupled with declining module prices and supportive policy frameworks, has made solar energy accessible to residential, commercial, and utility-scale consumers. Sola