REN21 Renewables Global Status Report 2007

The Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21) recently released their report, REN21 Renewables Global Status Report 2007. The report found that renewable energy has evolved rapidly from an ‘alternative’ source of energy to a mainstream energy option. Compared to a total global power capacity of 4,300 GW, the report finds renewable energy (without large hydro) now provides about 240 Gigawatts (GW) of clean power. Specifically, wind power had a growth rate between 25-30 percent, solar PV 50-60 percent, solar thermal 15-20 percent, and biofuels 15-20 percent.