NREL: 23% Of Global Electricity Generation Supplied By Renewable Sources

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Originally published on 1Sun4All.

The National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) released a report — 2012 Renewable Energy Data Book — in October of 2013 regarding the status of renewable energy globally and in the US. The report has an abundance of great charts and, in reading through the pages, I discovered that renewable energy accounts for 23% of all electricity generation worldwide (4,892 TWh) (on page 41). I’ve brought out a few of the relevant charts and findings. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

In 2012, Germany led the world in cumulative solar photovoltaic installed capacity, reports the NREL. The United States leads the world in geothermal and biomass installed capacity. China leads in wind, and Spain leads in solar thermal electric generation (STEG). The following is from the 2012 Renewable Energy Data Book:

Leading Countries For Installed Renewable Energy

NREL Renewable

Image courtesy of NREL | 2012 Renewable Energy Data Book

  • Cumulative global renewable electricity installed capacity has grown by 97% from 2000 to 2012 (from 748 GW to 1,470 GW).
  • Countries with extensive solar policies—such as Germany, Spain, and Italy— lead the world in solar photovoltaic (PV) deployment.

Renewable Electricity By Technology For The World’s Top Countries

NREL Renewable

Image courtesy of NREL | 2012 Renewable Energy Data Book

Zach mentioned the weakness of this chart is that it doesn’t address the per capita or per GDP leaders. From his post, 18 Fun Renewable Energy Charts From NREL Director Dan Arvizu & Ren21′s Renewables 2013 Global Status Report, he offered the latest on those for wind and solar:

  1. Top Solar Power Countries
  2. Top Wind Power Countries Per Capita
  3. Top Wind Power Countries Per GDP

More findings from NREL’s 2012 Renewable Energy Data Book:

Total Global Renewable Electricity Capacity

NREL Renewable

Image courtesy of NREL | 2012 Renewable Energy Data Book

  • The installed global renewable electricity capacity doubled between 2000 and 2012, and represents a significant and growing portion of the total energy supply both globally and in the United States.

Growth of the World’s Sustainable Energy Resources from 2000 to 2012

NREL Renewable

Image courtesy of NREL | 2012 Renewable Energy Data Book

As a nation, and a global people, we have a significant amount of work to do to change what is happening. I look forward to seeing this report for 2013 with the measurement of the advances we made in the last year.


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Amber Archangel

-- I am an artist, painter, writer, interior designer, graphic designer, and constant student of many studies. Living with respect for the environment close at hand, the food chain, natural remedies for healing the earth, people and animals is a life-long expression and commitment. As half of a home-building team, I helped design and build harmonious, sustainable and net-zero homes that incorporate clean air systems, passive and active solar energy as well as rainwater collection systems. Private aviation stirs a special appeal, I would love to fly in the solar airplane and install a wind turbine in my yard. I am a peace-loving, courageous soul, and I am passionate about contributing to the clean energy revolution. I formerly designed and managed a clean energy website, 1Sun4All.com.

Amber Archangel has 195 posts and counting. See all posts by Amber Archangel