Renewables set to claim record share of energy mix in 2021
Wind and solar PV power will continue to grow in 2021 after increasing market share last year—but coal may be set for mini-revival
Global renewable energy generation is set to grow by 6pc during 2021, with a record level of new capacity boosted by delayed projects becoming operational, according to the IEA in its Electricity Market Report. This growth follows a 7pc rise in global renewable power generation from various sources including hydropower, wind and solar PV in 2020. Renewables account for 28pc of global electricity production—up c.2pc on 2019 and forecast to rise to 29pc during 2021. Wind and solar PV generation grew by more than 10pc and 20pc respectively during 2020 and are together responsible for more than 9pc of electricity supply. The IEA expects wind to grow by 11pc and solar PV by 17pc during 2021. Hydr
Also in this section
9 January 2026
A shift in perspective is needed on the carbon challenge, the success of which will determine the speed and extent of emissions cuts and how industries adapt to the new environment
2 January 2026
This year may be a defining one for carbon capture, utilisation and storage in the US, despite the institutional uncertainty
23 December 2025
Legislative reform in Germany sets the stage for commercial carbon capture and transport at a national level, while the UK has already seen financial close on major CCS clusters
15 December 2025
Net zero is not the problem for the UK’s power system. The real issue is with an outdated market design in desperate need of modernisation






