The development of renewable energy globally has shown a significant trend in recent years. As awareness of climate change and its impact on the environment increases, many countries are investing in renewable energy sources. This effort not only aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also to increase energy security and create jobs. The renewable energy sector includes several main sources such as solar, wind, hydro, biomass and geothermal power. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) report, the installed capacity of renewable energy reached 2,799 GW at the end of 2020, with solar and wind power as the largest contributors. Solar power, in particular, is experiencing the fastest growth. Countries such as China, the United States and India are leading the way in utilizing solar panel technology. Investment in renewable energy is also increasing rapidly. In 2020, globally invested $303 billion in new renewable energy projects. China is at the forefront of this investment, accounting for nearly 50% of all global investment. Society is increasingly accepting renewable energy as a viable alternative to fossil energy. World leaders are committed to reducing dependence on new renewable energy in an effort to achieve the Net-Zero emissions target by 2050. Policy transformation also has a significant impact on the growth of this sector. Various countries implement incentives such as subsidies, taxes and feed-in tariff policies that make it easier to adopt renewable energy. In Europe, the European Union is targeting 32% renewable energy use by 2030 as part of the European Green Deal. In this context, wind power has developed rapidly, with offshore wind farms gaining increasing attention. Challenges facing the renewable energy sector include energy storage issues, integration into existing electricity grids, and often high initial costs. Battery technology has advanced rapidly, increasing storage capacity and efficiency. Additionally, innovations in smart grids and digital technologies are helping to increase the integration of renewable energy into the existing grid. The growth of renewable energy is not only limited to developed countries. Developing countries in Asia and Africa are also showing significant increases in renewable energy adoption. In Africa, large-scale solar projects are increasing, providing energy access to millions of previously unserved people. In Southeast Asia, Indonesia and the Philippines are starting to introduce policies that support the development of wind and solar power. Overall, the global growth of renewable energy reflects a major shift in the way society produces and consumes energy. With support from the government, sustainable investment and technological innovation, renewable energy is expected to continue to grow, making a significant contribution to the sustainability of the planet and improving people’s quality of life.
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