The rise of solar and wind energy began in the 2000s. The growth of solar energy is much faster than that of wind energy. This growth in renewable energy is due to several factors. Germany's Renewable Energy Sources Act was introduced in 2000. It provides feed-in tariffs as well as grid priority for solar electricity. There is also a program to place 100,000 solar roofs onto homes. This helps Germany become a leader in solar and wind. U.S. stimulus packages also include renewable energy investments.
Increase in solar PV
The sector of solar PV is the fastest-growing in renewable energy. It has been growing rapidly over the past few years, and is expected continue to grow strongly into 2030. In 2017, solar photovoltaics generated about 2% global electricity. This is still quite a bit less than hydropower. However, solar PV generation is expected catch up to hydropower before 2030.
The global trend of solar PV growth is evident. Over the past decade, the world's solar PV capacity has nearly doubled. In February 2018, solar PV's global capacity was 167.047 GW. China alone is responsible for over half of the world's capacity, or capacity per capita. In contrast, Europe, the US, and the Middle East represent less than 2% of total worldwide PV capacity.
Wind power increases
Wind energy is an intermittent and free source of energy that can easily be harnessed to a wide range of uses. Because it occupies very little space, wind energy is an excellent source for power. But the wind's unpredictable nature can create some issues. This can be solved by placing wind turbines together over a larger area, and then average out their output. Like any energy source other forms of generation or storage must also be used to complement wind energy.
A greater wind energy resource is required to reach the 20 percent target by 2030. New transmission lines and windturbine installations will be required to meet this goal. To have more that 40,000 MW wind power in the U.S. by 2030 is the goal. By 2020, wind energy will generate enough electricity to power over 43 million American homes. Wind energy has the potential to drive economic growth in America. Wind energy has generated $151 billion in investment over the last decade. The industry is expected to generate another $20 billion by 2021. Wind energy can reduce the environmental pollution caused by other energy sources.
Battery storage has been increasing
A rise in battery storage capacity will prove vital for maintaining clean electricity supply as the world moves towards cleaner energy. The BNEF estimates that there will be a global total storage capacity of 365 GW by 2030. This figure is five times larger than what was predicted in 2021. To date, most grid-scale battery storage projects have been based on Li-ion technology. Li-ion batteries have a number of benefits, including their versatility.
The U.S.'s combined battery storage capacity could double by 2025 to reach 10,000 MW, adding 10 times more power to the grid. According to the Energy Storage Association, industry growth has accelerated over the past year and could push the projected capacity even higher. This could indicate that there will be significant growth in the storage sector in the years ahead.
The use of biomass fuels is increasing
In the United States, biomass fuels are a major source of energy, making up 5% of primary energy consumption in 2021. Biomass fuels are made from wood, municipal waste and agricultural byproducts. These fuels can be used to produce electricity and are clean-burning.
Biomass fuels are able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by producing energy. The growth of the plants helps offset the carbon dioxide released from the burning process. For example, wood burning releases almost as much carbon than burning fossil fuels. But biomass offsets the emission by its own growth. The carbon penalty of clearing forests to produce energy takes years to recover. Additionally, biomass fuels can also be grown on land previously used for food production.