The world is not on track to triple renewable electricity generation by 2030, an important step in transitioning from fossil fuels, but progress is accelerating.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) found that current policies would only roughly double global renewable generation by 2030.
Solar power constitutes about half of the planned capacity, while wind accounts for a quarter.
Governments must focus on upgrading electricity grids, which are currently hindering progress.
Key quote:
“The tripling target is ambitious but achievable – though only if governments quickly turn promises into plans of action.”
— Fatih Birol, executive director of the IEA
Why this matters:
Meeting renewable energy targets is essential to limiting global temperature rise to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels. Achieving these goals requires immediate government action and infrastructure improvements.
Utilities are slated to meet the final goal of buying 8 percent of their electricity from renewable sources, with half a percent coming from solar, by May 31.
