Key Messages for Decision Makers

KEY MESSAGES FOR DECISION MAKERS

2021 Takeaways from the RENEWABLES 2021 GLOBAL STATUS REPORT RENEWABLES 2021 GLOBAL STATUS REPORT

REN21 MEMBERS

INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS INTER-GOVERNMENTAL NGOS Africa Minigrid Developers Association ORGANISATIONS Association Africaine pour (AMDA) Asia Pacific Energy Research Centre l'Electrification Rurale (Club-ER) Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE) (APERC) CLASP American Council on Renewable Asian Development Bank (ADB) Clean Cooking Alliance (CCA) Energy (ACORE) ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Climate Action Network International Associação Portuguesa de Energias Energy and Energy Efficiency (CAN-I) Renováveis (APREN) (ECREEE) Coalition de Ciudades Capitales Association for Renewable Energy of European Commission (EC) de las Americas (CC35) Lusophone Countries (ALER) Global Environment Facility (GEF) Energy Cities Chinese Renewable Energy Industries International Energy Agency (IEA) Euroheat & Power (EHP) Association (CREIA) Fundación Energías Renovables (FER) Clean Energy Council (CEC) International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Global 100% Renewable Energy European Renewable Energies Federation (EREF) Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Global Forum on Sustainable Energy (GFSE) Global Off-Grid Lighting Association Regional Center for Renewable (GOGLA) Energy and Energy Efficiency Global Women's Network for the Energy Transition (GWNET) Global Solar Council (GSC) (RCREEE) Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) United Nations Development Greenpeace International Indian Renewable Energy Federation Programme (UNDP) ICLEI – Local Governments for (IREF) United Nations Environment Sustainability International Geothermal Association Programme (UNEP) Institute for Sustainable Energy (IGA) United Nations Industrial Development Policies (ISEP) International Hydropower Association Organization (UNIDO) International Electrotechnical (IHA) World Bank (WB) Commission (IEC) Renewable Energy Solutions for Africa Jeunes Volontaires pour (RES4Africa) Foundation l'Environnement (JVE) Solar Power Europe Mali Folkecenter (MFC) World Bioenergy Association (WBA) Power for All World Wind Energy Association Renewable Energy and Energy (WWEA) Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) Renewable Energy Institute (REI) Renewables Grid Initiative (RGI) SCIENCE AND ACADEMIA GOVERNMENTS SLOCAT Partnership for Sustainable AEE – Institute for Sustainable Afghanistan Low Carbon Transport Technologies (AEE INTEC) Austria Solar Cookers International (SCI) Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) Council on Energy, Environment and Brazil Water (CEEW) World Council for Renewable Denmark Fundación Bariloche (FB) Energy (WCRE) Dominican Republic International Institute for Applied World Future Council (WFC) Germany Systems Analysis (IIASA) World Resources Institute (WRI) India International Solar Energy Society (ISES) World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Mexico National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Norway National Research University Higher Republic of Korea MEMBERS AT LARGE School of Economics, Russia (HSE) South Africa Michael Eckhart South African National Energy Spain Mohamed El-Ashry Development Institute (SANEDI) United Arab Emirates David Hales The Energy and Resources United States of America Institute (TERI) Kirsty Hamilton Peter Rae

PRESIDENT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Arthouros Zervos Rana Adib National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) REN21

2 RENEWABLE ENERGY POLICY NETWORK FOR THE 21st CENTURY

REN21 is the only global renewable energy community of actors from science, governments, NGOs and industry. We provide up-to-date and peer-reviewed facts, figures and analysis of global developments in technology, policies and markets. Our goal: enable decision-makers to make the shift to renewable energy happen – now.

The most successful organisms, such as an octopus, have a decentralised intelligence and "sensing" function. This increases responsiveness to a changing environment. REN21 incarnates this approach.

Our more than 2,000 community members guide our co-operative work. They reflect the vast array of backgrounds and perspectives in society. As REN21’s eyes and ears, they collect information and share intelligence, by sending input and feedback. REN21 takes all this information to better understand the current thinking around renewables and change norms. We also use this information to connect and grow the energy debate with non-energy players.

Our annual publications, the Renewables Global Status Report and the Renewables in Cities Global Status Report, are probably the world’s most comprehensive crowdsourced reports on renewables. It is a truly collaborative process of co-authoring, data collection and peer reviewing.

3 KEY MESSAGES FOR DECISION MAKERS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Making Renewable Energy a Key Performance Indicator ...... 05

Renewable Energy Shares and Policies ...... 14

Technologies for a Renewables Revolution ...... 23

This document presents the overarching renewable energy trends and perspectives from 2021 so that policy makers and other decision makers can more easily understand the significance of the latest developments. It outlines what is happening to drive the energy transition and details why it is not happening fast enough or as fast as possible. It draws on the meticulously documented data found in REN21’s Renewables 2021 Global Status Report. See the endnotes and methodological notes in the full report for further details, at www.ren21.net/gsr.

4 MAKING RENEWABLE ENERGY A KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR

2020 – a year of new norms

Rising ambition and

The year 2020 was one of new norms. recovery packages As the world witnessed the tragic are an opportunity impacts of a pandemic, communities to channel needed funding also experienced the health and well- to renewable energy being benefits stemming from the and further accelerate sudden decline in the use of fossil fuels, the transition . such as higher air quality and bluer skies. People also understood, collectively, the importance of governments mobilising quickly in the face of a crisis – in response As a result, 2020 was also a year of Renewable energy is central to the not only to the immediate public health accelerating ambition. The total number solution, both to continue to fight climate challenge and the economic recession of national targets for achieving net zero change at scale and to overcome the that followed, but also to longer-term emissions (including targets already post-pandemic economic recession. crises related to air pollution, climate in law, proposed and drafted) covered Growing commitments towards net change and biodiversity loss. countries responsible for more than 80% zero emissions highlight a rising tide of

of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. awareness of the urgent action needed The public consensus increasingly to address climate change and air reflects the emerging vision to move pollution and to accelerate sustainable beyond fossil fuels, which are responsible development. Rising ambition and

for nearly 90% of CO2 emissions. Under economic recovery packages also pressure from citizens, civil society and provide an opportunity to channel the courts, countries are being forced to needed funding to renewable energy strengthen their own climate plans, while and further accelerate the transition. fossil fuel companies are losing legal and shareholder battles. At the same time, businesses are buying ever larger amounts of renewable energy.

5 RENEWABLES 2021 GLOBAL STATUS REPORT

However, a heightened profile does At the same time, the world is burning not automatically translate into more fossil fuels than ever. Since action and implementation. Obstacles 2009, the share of fossil fuels in final Persistent that have prevented the growth energy consumption has remained the Challenges for of renewable energy in past years same, and global energy demand has continued during 2020. They include expanded around 20%. Renewable Renewables the lack of integrated, cross-sectoral energy meets just over 11% of global final strategies to drive the transition; the energy demand – only a slight increase lack of sufficient policy support and from around 9% a decade ago. enforcement; persistent support for . fossil fuels; the need for infrastructure development and increased affordability in some markets; and the need for more innovation in some sectors. Together, they have led to only a slow increase in the share of renewable energy in final energy demand.

Renewable energy meets just over 11% of global final energy demand – only a slight increase from around 9% a decade ago .

Estimated Renewable Share of Total Final Energy Consumption 2009 and 2019

Exajoules (EJ) 400

11.2% Modern renewables 8.7 % Others 300 8.7% 11.0% Others

200 The share of 80.3% 80.2% fossil fuels in final energy demand Fossil fuels Fossil fuels barely changed over 100 one decade.

0 2009 2019 Modern Note: Totals may not add up due to rounding . This figure shows a comparison between two years across a 10-year span . The result of therenewables economic recession in 2008 may have temporarily lowered the share of fossil fuels in total final energy consumption in 2009 . The share in 2008 was 80 .7% . Source: Based on IEA data . 2019 11.2%

6 4.2% 3.6% 2.4% 1.0% Biofuels for Biomass/solar/ Hydropower Wind/solar/ transport geothermal heat biomass/ geothermal/ ocean power

Exajoules (EJ) 400

11.2% Modern renewables 8.7 % Others 300 8.7% 11.0% Others

200 The share of 80.3% 80.2% fossil fuels in final energy demand Fossil fuels Fossil fuels barely changed over 100 one decade.

0 2009 2019 Biofuels for transport

Wind/solar/biomass/ 2.4% 1.0% geothermal/ocean power

3.6% Hydropower 2019 Hydropower Modern 4.2% renewables Biomass/solar/ 11.2% geothermal heat The share of renewables has increased The persistent share of fossil fuels, as well These sectors also saw more difficulty only moderately each year despite as increasing energy demand, underscore in 2020 than in past years. The uptake tremendous growth in some renewable the complementary and fundamental of modern renewables for heating energy sectors. Renewables grew almost roles of energy conservation and and cooling progressed slowly, 5% per year between 2009 and 2019, efficiency alongside renewables and consumption of renewable heat outpacing growth in fossil fuels (1.7%). to increase the renewable share while fell during the pandemic. Similarly, in However, energy demand also grew meeting global energy needs. However, contrast to previous years when the significantly over the period. As a result, energy conservation, energy efficiency share of renewables showed some renewables accounted for only one- and renewable energy are not enough growth, albeit limited, the transport quarter of the total growth in the world’s by themselves; it also is necessary to sector’s renewable energy share use of energy. leave fossil fuels in the ground and did not increase in 2020. The uptake Energy efficiency also faced challenges to phase out existing fossil fuel of renewables in heating and transport in 2020. The rate of improvement in capacity. is constrained by these sectors’ high energy intensity (a common indicator Progress that has been made has dependence on fossil fuels, which is of energy efficiency) has been declining occurred primarily in the power sector, exacerbated by persistent fossil fuel since 2015, and in 2020 the rate was half where the share of renewables is subsidies, insufficient renewable energy that of the previous two years. highest. However, overall energy use in policy support and enforcement, and the power sector is much lower than slow developments in new technologies energy consumed in other sectors, (such as advanced biofuels). such as heating, cooling and transport. Together, these other sectors account for more than 80% of final energy demand, yet their renewable energy shares are much lower than for the power sector.

Renewable Share of Total Final Energy Consumption by Final Energy Use, 2018

Heating and Cooling 51% Transport 32% Power 17%

10.2% 3.4% 27.1% Renewable Renewable Renewable energy energy energy

Note: Data should not be compared with previous years because of revisions due to improved or adjusted methodology . Source: Based on IEA data .

7 RENEWABLES 2021 GLOBAL STATUS REPORT

At the same time, 2020 offered some The status of renewable energy in bright spots. Although the early phase 2020 shows that a structural shift of the pandemic was a difficult period from fossil fuels to renewables is for renewables, new renewable power required. A structural shift does not capacity hit a record increase globally. mean moderately increasing the share Renewables were the only source of of renewable energy from one year to electricity generation to experience a net another. It does not mean gradually increase. Investment in renewable power lowering the contribution of fossil fuels. grew for the third consecutive year, and It means transitioning from fossil fuels corporations continued to break records to a renewable energy-based system for sourcing renewable electricity. More in all societal and economic activities. countries are turning to electrification Targets, policies and investment are the of heat with renewable energy, and tools on our workbench – and reaching although production of transport significantly higher shares of renewable biofuels decreased, electric vehicle sales energy is the blueprint we must follow. expanded, as did the linking of these vehicles to renewable electricity.

Reaching significantly higher shares of renewable energy is the blueprint we must follow .

8 Most of the world’s largest countries and not always on track leading up to 2021. greatest emitters of greenhouse gases Overall, some 80 targets for 2020 had lack clear, economy-wide objectives to already been met, while the majority (134) Renewable shift to renewables in all sectors. Only had not yet been achieved, according to Energy Targets five members of the G20 – the European the latest data available. Union (EU-27), France, Germany, Italy Even when countries meet their and the United Kingdom – had set 2020 commitments, they do not always set new targets to achieve a specific share of ones to chart the path towards higher renewables in final energy use, and some ambition. Only half of the countries with were clearly not on track to achieve their 2020 targets had set later more ambitious own targets by year’s end. targets by year’s end. Worse still, most Overall, 165 countries had targets in place of the countries that have not set new to achieve certain levels of renewable targets had not yet even achieved their energy by 2020. However, most of the first. In short, countries are missing the targets were only for the power sector. mark and are failing to plan ahead to In addition, these target-setters were increase their ambition.

Renewable Energy Shares and Targets G20 Countries, 2019 and 2020

Share of renewables in TFEC (%) 50

Share of 40 renewable energy in TFEC in 2019

Target for 30 renewables in TFEC for year-end 2020

20 No target for 2020

CALL TO ACTION Governments and businesses must set targets for renewable energy in all sectors and build on them with new, bolder goals by the time they meet the original target.

9 RENEWABLES 2021 GLOBAL STATUS REPORT

Countries do not achieve their targets in Supportive policy frameworks are large part because they lack a supportive critical to build renewables-based policy framework, or because the policy energy systems around the world. Policies to Support frameworks they have are ineffective or The successful uptake of renewable Renewable Energy not enforced. This year of new norms – energy has been driven by bold policy 2020 – highlighted inaction among the making. However, unconditional support and Phase Out world’s policy makers and the lack of for propping up fossil fuels continues, concrete measures to decarbonise their while renewables receive far less Fossil Fuels economies. It was the first year in support. The world will not reach its which the number of countries with climate and development goals until renewable energy support policies renewable energy is prioritised. . did not increase In addition, stable policies are crucial to In addition, the heating and cooling ensure that targets for renewables and and transport sectors lag far behind net zero emissions are achieved. Today’s the power sector. While the number of stop-and-go policy making poses a countries with policies for renewable grave threat to the future development of energy in transport plateaued in 2017, renewables. the number of countries with policies for heating and cooling peaked that year and has been declining ever since.

CALL TO ACTION Targets have to be backed up by policies that support the uptake of renewables by incentivising and/or mandating their use. But this is not enough – governments also need to actively phase out the use of fossil fuels and fossil fuel subsidies.

Number of Countries with Renewable Energy Regulatory Policies 2010–2020

Number of Countries 145 countries 150 Power regulatory incentives/ mandates

120 65 countries 90 Transport regulatory incentives/ mandates

60 22 30 countries Heating and cooling regulatory incentives/ mandates 0 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020

Note: Figure does not show all policy types in use . In many cases countries have enacted additional fiscal incentives or public finance mechanisms to support renewable energy . A country is considered to have a policy (and is counted a single time) when it has at least one national or state/provincial-level policy in place . Power policies include feed-in tariffs (FITs) / feed-in premiums, tendering, net metering and renewable portfolio standards . Heating and cooling policies include solar heat obligations, technology-neutral renewable heat obligations and renewable heat FITs . Transport policies include biodiesel obligations/mandates, ethanol obligations/mandates and non-blend mandates .

10 Global investment in renewable power Economic recovery packages provide capacity withstood the economic crisis an opportunity to reorient investment. triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, However, despite international calls to Renewable totalling USD 303.5 billion in 2020. This “build back better” during the COVID- Energy Investment 2% increase over 2019 marks a significant 19 crisis, investment in fossil fuels in rebound, particularly given conditions at COVID-19 recovery packages was the start of the year. six times higher than for renewable

However, this annual increase of 2% energy. is well below necessary levels. At this Beyond recovery funds, fossil fuel rate, total growth in renewable energy subsidies remain in the hundreds of investment will be only 22% by 2030. billions of dollars, far above the support To reach global climate and sustain- for renewables. In addition, investment able development goals, annual in new fossil fuel production and related investment in renewables must at infrastructure continued in many least triple by 2030i, for a total increase countries. In 2020, the world saw the first of 200%. annual increase in global coal capacity since 2015.

CALL TO ACTION A structural shift means channelling funding from fossil fuels to energy conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy. At the same time, the overall level of renewable energy investment must be increased dramatically.

i See IEA, Net Zero by 2050 and IRENA, World Energy Transition Outlook (Preview) .

Energy Investments in COVID-19 Recovery Packages of 31 Countries January 2020 to April 2021

42% 29% Fossil fuels Enabling technologies and energy e iciency

22% Other

7% Renewables

Source: EnergyPolicyTracker .org . Note: Although the energy produced from solid waste combustion is efficient, it cannot be considered entirely renewable as solid waste also contains inorganic material . Generally, about 50% of energy from municipal solid waste is classified as renewable . Multiple renewables include geothermal and ocean power . Enabling technologies include e-mobility and renewable hydrogen . The “Other” category refers to other types of energy-related policies including, among others, nuclear energy, incineration, hydrogen from unspecified sources, and multiple energy types (for example intertwined fossil fuels and clean energy) . Where totals do not add up, the difference is due to rounding .

11 RENEWABLES 2021 GLOBAL STATUS REPORT

Nothing will happen unless we measure The share of renewable energy reflects Renewable the right indicator. Considering the developments in energy demand, energy Energy as a urgency of accelerating the structural conservation, energy efficiency and shift from fossil fuels to renewables in emissions in addition to renewable energy Key Performance all societal and economic activities, it is uptake and the reduction of fossil fuel not enough anymore to track renewable use. Reaching a high renewable energy Indicator in energy targets, policies and investment. share can be used as the blueprint for All Economic The world’s progress towards global a structural shift towards a transformed climate and sustainable development energy world. Activities goals can be measured by a simple Therefore, this indicator should be key performance indicator: the share integrated at every level of decision of renewable energy. making. Because energy is everywhere, the energy transition needs to happen everywhere. This particular key performance indicator lets people measure progress and ensure engagement globally, nationally, in regions, in cities, in any economic sector and even in businesses.

The share of CALL TO ACTION Make progress in renewables a key performance indicator renewable in all economic activities, and use the renewable energy share energy must be to monitor advancement. integrated at every level of decision making .

12 Renewable Energy Indicators 2020 2019 2020 INVESTMENT New investment (annual) in renewable power and fuels1 billion USD 298 .4 303.5 POWER Renewable power capacity (including hydropower) GW 2,581 2,838 Renewable power capacity (not including hydropower) GW 1,430 1,668 Hydropower capacity2 GW 1,150 1,170

3 Solar PV capacity GW 621 760 Wind power capacity GW 650 743 Bio-power capacity GW 137 145 Geothermal power capacity GW 14 .0 14.1 Concentrating solar thermal power (CSP) capacity GW 6 .1 6.2 Ocean power capacity GW 0 .5 0.5 HEAT 4 Modern bio-heat demand (estimated) EJ 13 .7 13.9 5 Solar hot water demand (estimated) EJ 1 .5 1.5 6 Geothermal direct-use heat demand (estimated) PJ 421 462 TRANSPORT Ethanol production (annual) billion litres 115 105 FAME biodiesel production (annual) billion litres 41 39 HVO biodiesel production (annual) billion litres 6 .5 7.5 POLICIES7 Countries with renewable energy targets # 172 165 Countries with renewable energy policies # 161 161 Countries with renewable heating and cooling targets # 49 19 Countries with renewable transport targets # 46 35 Countries with renewable electricity targets # 166 137 Countries with heat regulatory policies # 22 22 Countries with biofuel blend mandates8 # 65 65 Countries with feed-in policies (existing) # 83 83 Countries with feed-in policies (cumulative)9 # 113 113 Countries with tendering (held during the year) # 41 33 Countries with tendering (cumulative)9 # 111 116

1 Data are from BloombergNEF and include investment in new capacity of all biomass, geothermal and wind power projects of more than 1 MW; all hydropower projects of between 1 and 50 MW; all solar power projects, with those less than 1 MW estimated separately; all ocean power projects; and all biofuel projects with an annual production capacity of 1 million litres or more . Total investment values include estimates for undisclosed deals as well as company investment (venture capital, corporate and government research and development, private equity and public market new equity) . 2 The GSR strives to exclude pure pumped storage capacity from hydropower capacity data . 3 Solar PV data are provided in direct current (DC) . 4 Includes bio-heat supplied by district energy networks and excludes the traditional use of biomass . See Reference Table R1 in the GSR 2021 Data Pack and related endnote for more information . 5 Includes glazed (flat-plate and vacuum tube) and unglazed collectors only . The number for 2020 is a preliminary estimate . 6 The estimate of annual growth in output is based on a survey report published in early 2020 . The annual growth estimate for 2020 is based on the annualised growth rate in the five-year period since 2014 . 7 A country is counted a single time if it has at least one national or state/provincial target or policy . 8 Biofuel policies include policies listed both under the biofuel obligation/mandate column in Table 6 and in Reference Table R8 in the GSR 2021 Data Pack . 9 Data reflect all countries where the policy has been used at any time up through the year of focus at the national or state/provincial level . Note: All values are rounded to whole numbers except for numbers <15, biofuels and investment, which are rounded to one decimal point . FAME = fatty acid methyl esters; HVO = hydrotreated vegetable oil .

13 Transport Heating and cooling Power

32% 51% 17% 3.4% 10.2% 27.1 % Renewable energy Renewable energy Renewable energy

RENEWABLES 2021 GLOBAL STATUS REPORT Power Heating and cooling Transport

17% 51% 32% RENEWABLE ENERGY SHARES AND POLICIES 27.1 % 10. 2% 3.4 % ReneHEATINGwable energy R en&ewable COOLING energy Renewable energy

Renewable Energy in Total Final Energy Consumption, by Final Energy Use, 2018

Heating and cooling Transport Power Policies 51% 32% 17% subsidising 10.2% 3.4% 27.1 % fossil fuels still Renewable energy Renewable energy Renewable energy clash with those that encourage the uptake of renewable heating and cooling .

Heating and cooling Transport Power What is the story? The share of renewable energy in meeting heating and cooling needs is still 51% low. It is increasing32 only% slowly, despite17% large growth in some technologies, as shown below. In order to increase the use of renewable heating and cooling, 3policies.4% are needed that improve the affordability of these technologies and Relevelnewabl thee eplayingnergy field compared to fossil fuels.

Heating and cooling Transport Power Renewable Energy Contribution to Heating in Buildings by Technology, 2009 and 2019

51% 32% 17% 27.1 % 7.8 % 2009 2019Renewable energy 10.4 % Share of renewables in Share of renewables in building heat demand building heat demand

3.0 EJ 4.3 EJ Modern EJ EJ bioenergy 4.2 1.7 Renewable electricity Modern for heat bioenergy

1.5 EJ Solar thermal heat 0.5 EJ 0.2 EJ Geothermal 0.6 EJ heat

0.2 EJ 0.4 EJ Renewable district heat

14 RENEWABLE ENERGY SHARES AND POLICIES Sectoral Coverage of National Renewable Heating and Cooling Financial and Regulatory Policies HEATING & COOLING as of End-2020

Number of sectors covered

4 sectors

3 sectors

2 sectors

1 sector Renewable energy mandate Zero sectors or no data Other support policy

Note: Sectors include residential, industrial, commercial and public facilities . Policy types used for map shading include investment subsidies/grants, rebates, tax credits, tax deductions, loans and feed-in tariffs . Renewable energy mandates are the obligation to meet a certain renewable standard for heat, such as the use of a specified technology .

Other support policies include fossil fuel bans, support for phasing out fossil fuels, CO2 pricing for heat and support for R&D . Figure does not show policies at the local level; for local level data, see REN21 Renewables in Cities Global Status Report, www .ren21 .net/cities . Source: REN21 Policy Database .

Population with Access to Modern Energy Cooking Services by Region, 2020

Modern energy cooking services (Tier 4 and above)

Transition (Tiers 2 and 3)

No modern energy cooking services

Latin America and the Caribbean Sub-Saharan Africa South Asia East Asia South-East Asia

15% 10% 56 % 27% 36% 21% 17% 33 % 54% 55%

24% 29% 73% 19% 31%

Source: ESMAP .

Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa South Asia South-east Asia East Asia the Caribbean 15% 17% 27% 21% 36% 33% 56% 15%

29% 73% 19% 54% 24% 55% 31% Transport Heating and cooling Power

32% 51% 17% 3.4% 10.2% 27.1 % Renewable energy Renewable energy Renewable energy

Power Heating and cooling Transport

17% 51% 32% 27.1 % 10. 2% 3.4 % Renewable energy Renewable energy Renewable energy

RENEWABLESHeating 2021 GLOBAL and STATUS cooling REPORT Transport Power

51% 32% 17% 10RENEWABLE.2% ENERGY3. 4SHARES% AND2 7POLICIES.1 % RenTRANSPORTewable energy Renewable energy Renewable energy

Renewable Energy in Total Final Energy Consumption, by Final Energy Use, 2018

Heating and cooling Transport Power

Overall, the transport sector is 51% 32% 17% not on track 3.4% to meet global climate Renewable energy targets for 2030 and 2050 .

What is the story? Heating and cooling Transport Power Transport is the sector with the lowest share of renewable energy. It is also a heavy energy- consuming sector, accounting for 32% of global final energy demand. Biofuels are the dominant 51% 32% 17% source of renewable energy for transport, and the contribution of (renewable) electricity remains 27.1 % low. Policy attention is urgently needed to electrify Renewable energy transport with renewable energy and increase the use of renewable fuels.

National and Sub-National Renewable Transport Mandates End-2020

National biofuel blend mandate, 10% or above National biofuel blend mandate, below 10% Sub-national biofuel blend mandate only No policy

Countries with existing advanced biofuel mandates

Note: Shading shows countries and states/provinces with mandates for either biodiesel, ethanol or both . Source: REN21 Policy Database .

16 RENEWABLE ENERGY SHARES AND POLICIES Only Targets for Renewable Power and Electric Vehicles

TRANSPORT as of End-2020 8 countries with targeted bans on internal combustion engine vehicles have 100% renewable power targets .

Level of national renewable power share targeted for jurisdictions with EV targets

91-100%

81-90%

71-80% Balearic Islands 61-70%

51-60%

41-50% Hainan Province

31-40%

21-30% Sub-national renewable power target 11-20% 100% electric vehicle target or targeted ban 1-10% on internal combustion engine vehicles

Note: Renewable power targets include only targets for a specific share of electricity generation by a future year . Where a jurisdiction has multiple targets, the highest target is shown . Nepal and Quebec show actual renewable power shares; both jurisdictions along with Iceland and Norway have already achieved nearly 100% renewable power . Electric vehicle targets vary; for details, see Reference Tables R6 and R8 in the GSR 2021 Data Pack . Source: REN21 Policy Database .

Avoid-Shift-Improve Framework in the Transport Sector

AVOID SHIFT IMPROVE Avoid or reduce the need Shift to more e icient, Improve e iciency, for motorised travel less carbon-intensive modes vehicle technology and fuels

■ Transport demand ■ Public transport, intercity and ■ Fuel economy high-speed rail, and new management ■ mobility services (powered by Renewable fuels ■ Mixed-use, transit-oriented renewable energy) (e.g., sustainable biofuels, development renewable electro-fuels) ■ Zero emission logistics ■ Active transport ■ and last-mile delivery Renewable-based (e.g., walking, cycling) electric vehicles ■ Telecommuting

17 Transport Heating and cooling Power

32% 51% 17% 3.4% 10.2% 27.1 % Renewable energy Renewable energy Renewable energy

Power Heating and cooling Transport

17% 51% 32% 27.1 % 10. 2% 3.4 % Renewable energy Renewable energy Renewable energy

Heating and cooling Transport Power

51% 32% 17% 10.2% 3.4% 27.1 % Renewable energy Renewable energy Renewable energy

RENEWABLES 2021 GLOBAL STATUS REPORT Heating and cooling Transport Power

RENEWABLE ENERGY51% SHARES32 AND% POLICIES17% POWER 3.4% Renewable energy

Renewable Energy in Total Final Energy Consumption, by Final Energy Use, 2018

Heating and cooling Transport Power

In 2020, wind power and solar PV generated 51% 32% 17% more than 27.1 % Renewable energy 20% of electricity in nine countries . What is the story? Renewables make their greatest contribution to the power sector. The share has risen quickly in recent years and reached 29% in 2020, up from 27% in 2018. The power sector continued to receive the bulk of renewable energy policy attention in 2020, as in previous years. Although feed-in policies remain a widely used mechanism, in 2020 the shift continued from feed-in policies to tenders and auctions..

Global Electricity Production by Source, and Share of Renewables 2010-2020

Electricity Production (TWh) Share of renewable electricity (%) 30,000 50 % Share of renewable electricity

25,000 Fossil fuels Nuclear power 20,000 Hydropower Non-hydro renewables 15,000 25 %

10,000

5,000

0 0 % 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Source: Ember .

18 RENEWABLE ENERGY SHARES AND POLICIES Global Investment in Renewable Power Capacity POWER Developed, Emerging and Developing Countries, 2010-2020 Billion USD 2% 350 increase World Total from 2019 304 to 2020 300

250 China European Union and Other United 200 developing Kingdom and emerging United countries States 150 Other developed 140.9 123.0 95.0 69.4

94.4 countries 83.6 42.9

100 58.3 115.8 53.0 57.1 83.8 47.5 40.4 47.6 100.7 86.2 53.9 31.6 60.6 39.5 61.7 37.6

50 49.3 45.7 29.1 42.8 40.8 35.0 44.2 70.3 69.8 66.6 54.2 50.2 47.6 46.2 43.4 42.6 40.7 40.4 40.2 24 32.8 32.2 32.2 31.9 31.4 18 0 28.5 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Note: Figure includes utility-scale renewable energy and small-scale solar projects and excludes large hydropower projects of more than 50 MW . Source: BloombergNEF .

Solar PV mini-grids are increasingly the preferred technology for providing electricity access across Africa and Asia . Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariffs and Tenders 2010-2020

Number of countries 120 116 The shift towards competitive 100 auctions and tenders 83 continued in 2020. 80

Feed-in tari / 60 premium payment

Tendering 40

0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Source: REN21 Policy Database .

19 RENEWABLES 2021 GLOBAL STATUS REPORT

GLOBAL INVESTMENT 2020

Global Investment in Renewable Energy Capacity by Country and Region, 2010-2020

United States Europe Billion USD Billion USD 80 Europe 150 127.6 127.6 61.7 61.7 60

49.3 120 106.7 106.7 45.7 45.7 44.2 44.2 42.8 42.8 40.8 40.8 37.6 37.6 89.0 89.0 35.0 40 35.0 81.8 31.6 31.6 29.1 29.1 90 26.1 64.9 64.9 63.6 63.6 59.3 59.3 58.5 20 58.5 54.0 54.0 52.2 52.2 46.3 60 46.3

0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 United States 30

0 (excl. United States & Brazil) Americas 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Billion USD

20 14.6 14.6 13.5 13.5 13.1 13.1 China China 12.0 15 12.0 11.5 11.5 11.1 11.1 9.8 9.8 9.1 9.1 10.0 10.0 9.1 Billion USD 6.6 10 6.6 Americas 150 140.9 5 140.9 (excl. United States & Brazil) 0 115.8 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 120 115.8 100.7 100.7 94.4 94.4 95.0 95.0 86.2 86.2 83.6 Brazil Brazil 90 60.6 Billion USD 60.6 53.9 60 53.9 15 39.5 39.5 9.7 9.7 34.8 34.8 8.7 7.6 7.6 7.1 7.1 6.7 10 6.7 6.4 6.0 6.0 Asia & Oceania 5.4 5.4 30 5.1 5.1 3.9 3.9 3.4 3.4 India 5 Middle East & North Africa (excl. China & India)

0 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Sub-Saharan Africa Asia & Oceania (excl. China & India) 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Billion USD

Middle East & North Africa Sub-Saharan Africa 60 India 51.2 50.8 50.8 48.0 Billion USD Billion USD 48.0 Billion USD 45.4 45.4 45.3 50 45.3 41.1 13.5 15 10 13.5 12.9

15 12.9 38.2 38.2 6.9 6.9 37.2 37.2 10.9 11.2 11.2 10.0 10.0 10.7 10.7 6.6 6.6 9.7 9.7 8.9 8.9 40 5.4 5.4 8.3 8.3 5.0 10 5.0 10 7.5 7.5 6.0 6.0 6.4 6.3 6.4 6.3 6.1 6.2 6.1 5.6 5.6 5.2 5.2 3.3 3.3 27.1 27.1 3.2 5 3.2 4.7 2.8 2.6 2.6 2.4 2.4 2.0 2.0 3.3 5 3.3 30 1.3 1.3 5 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.1 2.1 2.2 20.2 20.2 15.0 0 0 20 15.0 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 10

Note: Figures include utility-scale renewable energy and small-scale solar projects and exclude large hydropower projects of more than 50 MW . The regions in 0 this figure follow those presented in the BNEF Energy Transition Investment 2021 report and differ from the regional definitions included elsewhere in the GSR . 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Source: BloombergNEF .

20 In 2020, solar power was the only renewable energy technology to experience an increase in investments .

United States Europe Billion USD Billion USD 80 Europe 150 127.6 127.6 61.7 61.7 60

0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 United States 30

0 (excl. United States & Brazil) Americas 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Billion USD

20 14.6 14.6 13.5 13.5 13.1 13.1 China China 12.0 15 12.0 11.5 11.5 11.1 11.1 9.8 9.8 9.1 9.1 10.0 10.0 9.1 Billion USD 6.6 10 6.6 Americas 150 140.9 5 140.9 (excl. United States & Brazil) 0 115.8 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 120 115.8 100.7 100.7 94.4 94.4 95.0 95.0 86.2 86.2 83.6 Brazil Brazil 90 60.6 Billion USD 60.6 53.9 60 53.9 15 39.5 39.5 9.7 9.7 34.8 34.8 8.7 7.6 7.6 7.1 6.7 10 6.7 6.4 6.0 6.0 Asia & Oceania 5.4 5.4 30 5.1 5.1 3.9 3.9 3.4 3.4 India 5 Middle East & North Africa (excl. China & India)

0 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Sub-Saharan Africa Asia & Oceania (excl. China & India) 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Billion USD

Middle East & North Africa Sub-Saharan Africa 60 India 51.2 50.8 50.8 48.0 Billion USD Billion USD 48.0 Billion USD 45.4 45.4 45.3 50 45.3 41.1 41.1 13.5 15 10 13.5 12.9

15 12.9 38.2 38.2 6.9 6.9 37.2 37.2 10.9 11.2 11.2 10.0 10.0 10.7 10.7 6.6 6.6 9.7 9.7 8.9 8.9 40 5.4 5.4 8.3 8.3 5.0 10 5.0 10 7.5 7.5 6.0 6.0 6.4 6.3 6.4 6.3 6.1 6.2 6.1 5.6 5.6 5.2 5.2 3.3 3.3 27.1 27.1 3.2 5 3.2 4.7 4.7 2.8 2.6 2.6 2.4 2.4 2.0 2.0 3.3 5 3.3 30 1.3 1.3 5 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.1 2.1 2.2 20.2 20.2 15.0 0 0 20 15.0 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 10

0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

21 RENEWABLES 2021 GLOBAL STATUS REPORT

TOP FIVE COUNTRIES 2020

Annual Investment / Net Capacity Additions / Production in 2020 Technologies ordered based on total capacity additions in 2020.

1 2 3 4 5

Solar PV capacity China United States Vietnam Japan Germany

Wind power capacity China United States Brazil Netherlands Spain or Germany Hydropower capacity China Turkey Mexico India Angola

Geothermal power capacity Turkey United States Japan – –

Concentrating solar thermal power (CSP) capacity China – – – –

Solar water heating capacity China Turkey India Brazil United States

Ethanol production United States Brazil China Canada India

Biodiesel production Indonesia Brazil United States Germany France

More than 256 GW of renewable power capacity was added globally in 2020 – beating the previous record by nearly 30% .

22 TOP FIVE COUNTRIES 2020

Total Power Capacity or Demand / Output as of End-2020

1 2 3 4 5 POWER Renewable power capacity China United States Brazil India Germany (including hydropower) Renewable power capacity China United States Germany India Japan (not including hydropower) Renewable power capacity per Iceland Denmark Sweden Germany Australia capita (not including hydropower)1

Bio-power capacity China Brazil United States Germany India

Geothermal power capacity United States Indonesia Philippines Turkey New Zealand Hydropower capacity2 China Brazil Canada United States Russian Federation

Solar PV capacity China United States Japan Germany India

Concentrating solar thermal power (CSP) capacity Spain United States China Morocco South Africa

Wind power capacity China United States Germany India Spain HEAT Modern bio-heat demand in United States Germany France Italy Sweden buildings

Modern bio-heat demand Brazil India United States Finland Sweden in industry

Solar water heating collector capacity2 China Turkey India Brazil United States

3 Geothermal heat output China Turkey Iceland Japan New Zealand

1 Per capita renewable power capacity (not including hydropower) ranking based on data gathered from various sources for more than 70 countries and on 2019 population data from the World Bank . 2 Solar water heating collector ranking for total capacity is for year-end 2020 and is based on capacity of water (glazed and unglazed) collectors only . Data from International Energy Agency Solar Heating and Cooling Programme . 3 Not including heat pumps . Note: Most rankings are based on absolute amounts of investment, power generation capacity or output, or biofuels production; if done on a basis of per capita, national GDP or other, the rankings would be different for many categories (as seen with per capita rankings for renewable power not including hydropower and solar water heating collector capacity) .

23 RENEWABLES 2021 GLOBAL STATUS REPORT

TECHNOLOGIES FOR A RENEWABLES REVOLUTION HEATING & COOLING

What are the technology options? Technologies that help increase the share of renewables in heating and cooling include solar thermal heating, geothermal heat, bioenergy and renewable electricity (e.g., heat pumps). Markets for solar thermal heating and heat pumps grew in 2020, and geothermal heat use is rising, while bioenergy use has been mainly flat in recent years.

Solar Water Heating Collectors Global Capacity 2010-2020

Gigawatts-thermal 501 500 472 482 478 501 World 456 Gigawatts- Total 435 thermal 409 400 374

330 Glazed 300 285 collectors 242 Unglazed collectors

200

100

0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Note: Data are for glazed and unglazed solar water collectors and do not include concentrating, air or hybrid collectors . The drop in 2019 was caused by revised annual additions for China in 2019 and new assumptions for projecting total capacity in operation for 2019 and 2020 . Source: IEA SHC .

24 TECHNOLOGIES FOR A RENEWABLES REVOLUTION HEATING & COOLING

Geothermal direct Geothermal Direct Use Estimates for Top 10 Countries and Rest of World, 2020 use capacity

Terawatt-hours increased 75 by around

8% in 2020 . 50

0 Rest of Italy China Japan Brazil World Turkey Iceland Hungary Russian Federation New Zealand United States

Global Bioenergy Use for Heating by End-Use, 2009-2019 Total average annual change:

+1.2% Exajoules 15 District heating +5.9% Industry

12 Buildings, modern bioenergy

+1.4% 8

4 +0.3%

0 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2019

Source: Based on IEA .

25 RENEWABLES 2021 GLOBAL STATUS REPORT

TECHNOLOGIES FOR A RENEWABLES REVOLUTION TRANSPORT

What are the technology options? The United States and Biofuels, including ethanol and biodiesel, make up most of the renewable energy Brazil, the two leading contribution to the transport sector. Electric vehicles provide an opportunity to increase producers of biofuels, the renewable share with electricity. Biofuels production fell in 2020 in the wake of the account for around COVID-19 crisis, but the overall share of biofuels in the sector remained stable. On the contrary, sales of electric cars exploded, and some markets saw significant growth in the market share of electric cars. 80% of global production.

Global Production of Ethanol, Biodiesel and HVO/HEFA Fuel by Energy Content, 2010-2020

Energy content (exajoules)

4 Average annual 4.1% growth

HVO/HEFA

2 Biodiesel (FAME) Ethanol

0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Note: HVO = hydrotreated vegetable oil; HEFA = hydrotreated esters and fatty acids; FAME = fatty acid methyl esters

26 XXXXXXXX Sales, million units XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX 3.0 5.4% XXXXXXXXX 5.9% XXXXXXXXX % XXXXXX 2.5 6.2 9.9% Rest of World 2.0 13.2% United Kingdom France 1.5 20.5% United States Germany 1.0 Rest of Europe China 38.9% 0.5

0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2020

Electric Car Global Sales Top Countries and Rest of World, 2015-2020

Sales in million units 2020 share of global sales 3.0 5.4% Rest of World 5.9% United Kingdom 2.5 6.2% France 9.9% United States

2.0 13.2% Germany

1.5 20.5% Rest of Europe

1.0 38.9% China

0.5

0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2020

Note: Includes battery electric passenger vehicles and plug-in hybrid passenger electric vehicles . Source: IEA . Sales of electric cars grew 41% Market Share of Electric Cars in Annual Sales Top Large Markets and World, 2020 in 2020, while total car sales

Market Share declined . 80% 74.8 %

70%

60% 2019

50% 2020

40%

32.3 % 30% 25.0%

20% 13.5 % 11.3 % 11.3 % 10% 5.7 % 4.2 % 4.6 % 2.0 % 0 orld China Norway France Canada Sweden Germany Netherlands United States Source: IEA . United Kingdom

27 RENEWABLES 2021 GLOBAL STATUS REPORT

TECHNOLOGIES FOR A RENEWABLES REVOLUTION POWER

What are the technology options? Installed renewable power capacity grew by more than 256 GW during the pandemic year 2020, the largest increase ever. Solar PV and wind power made up more than 90% of this increase and are the main drivers towards higher shares of renewables in the power sector. By the end of 2020, 34 countries had more than 10 GW of renewable power capacity in operation, up from 20 countries in 2010.

Annual Additions of Renewable Power Capacity by Technology and Total, 2014-2020 More than Additions by technology (Gigawatts) 150 256 gigawatts added in 2020

120 Solar PV Wind power 90 Hydropower Bio-power, geothermal, ocean power, 60 CSP

0 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Note: Solar PV capacity data are provided in direct current (DC) . Data are not comparable against technology contributions to electricity generation . Source: REN21 analysis .

28 Solar PV Capacity and Additions Top 10 Countries for Capacity Added, 2020

Gigawatts

300

+48.2 250 100 +19.2

200 80 Added +28.7 +8.2 in 2020 2019 total 150 60 +4.9 +4.4

100 40

+4.1 50 20 +11.1 +4.1 +3.1 +3.0

0 Rest China United Vietnam Japan Germany India Australia Republic Brazil Netherlands of World States of Korea

Note: Data are provided in direct current (DC) . Source: REN21 analysis . Continuing a trend going back to 2012, most of the newly installed power capacity Wind Power Capacity and Additions Top 10 Countries for Capacity Added, 2020 in 2020 was renewable.

Gigawatts

300 +52.0

250 80 Added in 2020

2019 total 200 +1.7 60 +10.8 150 +16.9 +1.1 40 100 +1.7 80 20 +2.3 +1.3 50 +2.0 +1.2 +1.5 0 China Rest of WorldUnited States Brazil NetherlandsSpain Germany Norway France Turkey India

Note: Numbers above bars are gross additions, but bar heights reflect year-end totals . Germany's net additions were slightly below those of Norway . Source: REN21 analysis .

29 RENEWABLES 2021 GLOBAL STATUS REPORT

Global Levelised Costs of Electricity from Newly Commissioned Utility-scale Renewable Power Generation Technologies, 2010 and 2020

2020 USD/kWh

0.4 thpercentile

0.3 Averagecost

-85% -68% -54% -48% thpercentile

0.2

. 0.1 . . .

0 2010 2020 2010 2020 2010 2020 2010 2020

Source: IRENA .

Top 7 Countries with the Highest Electricity Access Rate from Distributed Renewable Energy Solutions 2019

Share of population... Nepal 9.7% ...connected to hydropower mini-grids Rwanda 9.0% ...connected to Mongolia 7.7% solar PV mini-grids ...using solar home systems (>50 W) Kenya 6.8% ...using solar home systems (11-50 W) Vanuatu 6.2%

Fiji 6.1%

Bangladesh 5.0%

0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10%

Note: Data in figure include solar home systems (SHS) and mini-grids but exclude solar lights . Source: REN21 analysis .

30 The REN21 Secretariat has produced this document to highlight important trends in renewable energy that occurred in 2020 and to put them in perspective of the global energy transition. It draws on elements from REN21’s Renewables 2021 Global Status Report. Authoring: Thomas André, Duncan Gibb, Hannah E. Murdock (REN21)

GSR 2021 PRODUCTION AND AUTHORING TEAM REN21 RESEARCH DIRECTION TEAM RESEARCH AND PROJECT SUPPORT Hannah E. Murdock (REN21 SECRETARIAT) Duncan Gibb Chetna Hareesh Kumar, Fabio Passaro Thomas André Flávia Guerra, Ni Made Dwi Sastriani, Hend Yaqoob, Stefanie Gicquel, Vibhushree Hamirwasia, Gwamaka Kifukwe, Yu SPECIAL ADVISORS Yuan-Perrin Janet L. Sawin (Sunna Research) Adam Brown COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT Lea Ranalder (REN21 SECRETARIAT) Tammy Mayer, Laura E. Williamson CHAPTER AUTHORS Andreas Budiman, Olivia Chen, Katherine Findlay, Alyssa Harris, Thomas André (REN21) Jessica Jones-Langley, Florencia Urbani Adam Brown Ute Collier (Green Energy Insights) EDITING, DESIGN AND LAYOUT Christopher Dent (Edge Hill University) Lisa Mastny, Editor Bärbel Epp (Solrico) Leah Brumer, Editor Duncan Gibb (REN21) weeks.de Werbeagentur GmbH, Design Chetna Hareesh Kumar (REN21) Fanny Joubert (EcoTraders) PRODUCTION Ron Kamara (EcoTraders) REN21 Secretariat, Paris, France Nathalie Ledanois Rachele Levin Hannah E. Murdock (REN21) Janet L. Sawin (Sunna Research) REN21 is committed to Jonathan Skeen (The SOLA Group) mobilising global action Freyr Sverrisson (Sunna Research) to meet the United Nations Glen Wright (Institute for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Development International Relations) Goals.

DISCLAIMER: REN21 releases issue papers and reports to emphasise the importance of renewable energy and to generate discussion on issues central to the promotion of renewable energy. While REN21 papers and reports have benefited from the considerations and input from the REN21 community, they do not necessarily represent a consensus among network participants on any given point. Although the information given in this report is the best available to the authors at the time, REN21 and its participants cannot be held liable for its accuracy and correctness.

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31 KEY FINDINGS 2021

RENEWABLES 2021 GLOBAL STATUS REPORT

For further details and access to the report and references, visit www.ren21.net/GSR

See Endnotes and Methodological Notes in the full GSR for further details on the information presented in this document.

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