GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Clean Energy Industry Statistics

The clean energy industry is rapidly growing, with significant increases in renewable energy capacity, investment, and employment.

Highlights: Clean Energy Industry Statistics

  • In 2020, the renewable energy sector supplied nearly 80% of the world's new power generation.
  • Roughly 800,000 Americans work in the renewable energy sector as of 2020.
  • Hydro and wind are the largest contributors to the growth in renewable energy in the US, accounting for 38 and 34%, respectively.
  • Around 11 million people globally worked in the renewable energy sector in 2018, with solar energy being the most significant employer.
  • Renewable energy capacity investment, which was over $2.5 trillion from 2010 to 2019, has surpassed that in fossil fuel generation.
  • China led the world in renewable power capacity in 2021, with 895 GW.
  • As of 2020, the renewable energy industry in Australia employs over 26,000 people.
  • Germany produces about one-third of its electricity from renewable sources.
  • Global wind employment grew 5% to reach 1.2 million jobs in 2018.
  • Bioenergy jobs are most concentrated in Brazil, China, and the United States, with these countries contributing over half of all bioenergy jobs worldwide.
  • About 3% of the US' total energy consumption in 2019 came from wind energy.
  • By mid-2021, Germany had implemented over 1.7 million photovoltaic systems.
  • By 2030, renewable energy is projected to provide about 49% of global electricity.
  • Japan had an installed solar capacity of 55.5 GW in 2018, the highest in the world.
  • Hydroelectric power produced around 16.6% of the world's total electricity in 2019.
  • Renewable energy capacity in Canada reached almost 100 GW by the end of 2019.
  • As of 2020, Spain has a total capacity of renewable energy of 55.6 GW.
  • Solar power in India is a fast developing industry with a cumulative capacity of over 36 GW as of 2020.

AI Transparency Disclaimer 🔴🔵

Find all AI Apps we have used to create this article.

Hint: If you are a student, academic or journalist we can wholeheartedly recommend them :)

✍ We save hours writing with Jenni’s AI-powered text editor* and also use Rytr* for creating articles.

📄 We find information more quickly in our research process by chatting with PDFs, Reports & Books with the help of ChatPDF*, PDF.ai* & Askyourpdf*.

🔎 We search for citations and check if a publication has been cited by others with Scite.ai*.

🤖 We use QuillBot to paraphrase or summarize our research.

✅ We check and edit our research with ProWritingAid and Trinka.

🎉 We use Originality’s AI detector & plagiarism checker* to verify our research.

Table of Contents

The Latest Clean Energy Industry Statistics Explained

In 2020, the renewable energy sector supplied nearly 80% of the world’s new power generation.

The statistic suggests that in 2020, a significant portion of newly installed power generation capacity worldwide came from renewable energy sources, accounting for nearly 80% of the total. This indicates a growing trend towards the adoption of renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, hydropower, and biomass as key players in meeting global electricity demand. The shift towards renewables can be attributed to various factors, including environmental concerns, decreasing costs of renewable technologies, and government policies promoting clean energy. This statistic highlights the increasing importance of renewable energy in the global energy landscape and signals a transition towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly electricity generation mix.

Roughly 800,000 Americans work in the renewable energy sector as of 2020.

The statistic that roughly 800,000 Americans work in the renewable energy sector as of 2020 highlights the significant growth and importance of this industry in the United States. This figure signifies the increasing demand for clean and sustainable energy sources, leading to job opportunities in areas such as solar, wind, hydropower, and other renewable technologies. The rise in renewable energy jobs also reflects a shift towards a more environmentally conscious and sustainable economy, as well as the potential for continued growth and innovation in the sector. As the world continues to prioritize reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change, the renewable energy industry is poised to play a crucial role in driving economic growth and creating employment opportunities.

Hydro and wind are the largest contributors to the growth in renewable energy in the US, accounting for 38 and 34%, respectively.

The statistic indicates that hydroelectric and wind power are the primary drivers of the growth in renewable energy sources in the United States, collectively accounting for 72% of the total increase. The significant contributions of these two sources suggest their importance in meeting sustainability goals and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Hydroelectric power generation, harnessing energy from flowing water, holds a 38% share, while wind power, generated through wind turbines, contributes 34% to the growth in renewable energy. These figures reflect a shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, highlighting the increasing adoption and investment in hydro and wind power technologies to combat climate change and promote a greener future.

Around 11 million people globally worked in the renewable energy sector in 2018, with solar energy being the most significant employer.

In 2018, approximately 11 million individuals were employed in the renewable energy industry across the globe, signifying a substantial workforce dedicated to sustainable energy sources. Among the various renewable energy sectors, solar energy emerged as the leading employer, highlighting its crucial role in driving employment opportunities and fostering economic growth within the sector. This statistic underscores the increasing importance of renewable energy in the global workforce, demonstrating a shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources to combat climate change and meet growing energy demands.

Renewable energy capacity investment, which was over $2.5 trillion from 2010 to 2019, has surpassed that in fossil fuel generation.

The statistic that renewable energy capacity investment exceeded $2.5 trillion from 2010 to 2019 signifies a significant shift in the global energy landscape, with investments in renewables surpassing those in traditional fossil fuel generation. This trend highlights the increasing focus on sustainable and cleaner energy sources as countries and industries aim to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. The substantial growth in renewable energy investments also reflects the declining costs of renewable technologies, improved efficiency, and supportive policies promoting the adoption of green energy solutions. It demonstrates a growing recognition of the potential economic and environmental benefits associated with transitioning towards renewable sources of energy over fossil fuels.

China led the world in renewable power capacity in 2021, with 895 GW.

The statistic “China led the world in renewable power capacity in 2021, with 895 GW” indicates that China had the largest amount of renewable power generation capacity compared to any other country in the world in the year 2021. A total capacity of 895 gigawatts (GW) in renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydropower, and biomass showcases China’s significant investments and advancements in sustainable energy technologies. This high capacity not only demonstrates China’s commitment to reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and combatting climate change but also positions the country as a major player in the global renewable energy sector, contributing to the transition towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy future.

As of 2020, the renewable energy industry in Australia employs over 26,000 people.

The statistic stating that the renewable energy industry in Australia employs over 26,000 people as of 2020 highlights the significant impact and growth of the sector in the country. This figure indicates a substantial workforce dedicated to advancing renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. The employment opportunities created by the industry not only contribute to the economy but also signify a shift towards sustainable and environmentally-friendly energy production. The statistic suggests that Australia is making strides in reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and promoting a more sustainable energy future, as evidenced by the increasing number of individuals employed in the renewable energy sector.

Germany produces about one-third of its electricity from renewable sources.

The statistic that Germany produces about one-third of its electricity from renewable sources indicates that a significant portion of the country’s electricity generation comes from sustainable and environmentally-friendly sources such as wind, solar, hydro, and biomass. This level of renewable energy penetration reflects Germany’s commitment to transitioning towards a cleaner energy system and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. By generating a third of its electricity from renewables, Germany is not only contributing to the global efforts to combat climate change but also showcasing the feasibility and effectiveness of renewable energy technologies in meeting the country’s energy needs.

Global wind employment grew 5% to reach 1.2 million jobs in 2018.

The statistic “Global wind employment grew 5% to reach 1.2 million jobs in 2018” indicates that the number of jobs in the global wind energy sector increased by 5% from the previous year, resulting in a total of 1.2 million jobs in 2018. This growth suggests a positive trend in the wind energy industry, potentially driven by increased investment, technological advancements, and government policies supporting renewable energy. The data highlights the importance of the wind sector as a significant contributor to global employment opportunities and underscores the sector’s potential for further expansion and job creation in the future.

Bioenergy jobs are most concentrated in Brazil, China, and the United States, with these countries contributing over half of all bioenergy jobs worldwide.

The statistic indicates that the majority of bioenergy jobs globally are concentrated in three countries: Brazil, China, and the United States. These countries are significant contributors to the bioenergy sector, collectively accounting for over half of all bioenergy jobs worldwide. This suggests that the bioenergy industry plays a crucial role in their economies by generating employment opportunities. The concentration of bioenergy jobs in these countries may be attributed to factors such as strong government support, abundant natural resources for bioenergy production, established industry infrastructure, and a growing awareness of the importance of sustainable energy sources. The statistic highlights the importance of these countries in promoting and expanding the bioenergy sector in the global context.

About 3% of the US’ total energy consumption in 2019 came from wind energy.

The statistic that about 3% of the US’ total energy consumption in 2019 came from wind energy indicates the significant and growing role that wind power is playing in the country’s energy landscape. This figure highlights the increasing adoption of renewable energy sources and the transition towards a more sustainable energy mix. Wind energy has been steadily expanding as a clean and renewable alternative to fossil fuels, contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change concerns. With further advancements in wind power technology and continued investment in renewable energy infrastructure, the percentage of energy derived from wind is expected to continue to rise in the coming years, leading to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy system in the US.

By mid-2021, Germany had implemented over 1.7 million photovoltaic systems.

The statistic “By mid-2021, Germany had implemented over 1.7 million photovoltaic systems” indicates that Germany has adopted a significant number of solar energy systems for generating electricity through photovoltaic technology. This statistic highlights Germany’s strong commitment to renewable energy sources and sustainability, as photovoltaic systems harness solar energy to produce electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions. The widespread adoption of over 1.7 million photovoltaic systems in Germany signifies the country’s progress towards achieving its renewable energy targets, promoting energy independence, and contributing to a cleaner environment.

By 2030, renewable energy is projected to provide about 49% of global electricity.

The statistic “By 2030, renewable energy is projected to provide about 49% of global electricity” highlights the rapid growth and increasing prevalence of renewable energy sources in the global energy mix. This projection suggests a significant shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy generation, with renewables such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal playing a prominent role. The advancement and adoption of renewable energy technologies are seen as crucial for addressing climate change, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and achieving environmental sustainability goals. This statistic indicates a positive trend towards a more environmentally friendly and sustainable energy future on a global scale.

Japan had an installed solar capacity of 55.5 GW in 2018, the highest in the world.

The statistic “Japan had an installed solar capacity of 55.5 GW in 2018, the highest in the world” indicates that Japan had the largest total solar power capacity among all countries in 2018. This measurement of 55.5 gigawatts (GW) represents the aggregated maximum amount of electricity that can be generated by solar panels installed in Japan. This statistic highlights Japan’s significant investment in solar energy infrastructure and its commitment to renewable energy sources. By having the highest installed solar capacity in the world in 2018, Japan demonstrates its leadership role in promoting clean and sustainable energy solutions on a global scale.

Hydroelectric power produced around 16.6% of the world’s total electricity in 2019.

The statistic indicates that hydroelectric power, a renewable energy source generated from the flow of water, played a significant role in the global electricity generation landscape in 2019. Specifically, around 16.6% of the total electricity produced worldwide that year was derived from hydroelectric power plants. This underscores the substantial contribution of hydroelectricity in meeting global energy demands and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The statistic highlights the increasing importance of sustainable energy sources in addressing climate change and transitioning towards a more environmentally friendly energy mix.

Renewable energy capacity in Canada reached almost 100 GW by the end of 2019.

The statistic “Renewable energy capacity in Canada reached almost 100 GW by the end of 2019” indicates that Canada had the capability to generate nearly 100 gigawatts of energy from renewable sources such as wind, solar, hydro, and biomass at the conclusion of 2019. This highlights the significant growth and investment in renewable energy infrastructure in Canada, as the country continues to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable forms of energy production. The increase in renewable energy capacity is a positive step towards reducing reliance on fossil fuels, mitigating climate change, and promoting environmental sustainability in Canada’s energy sector.

As of 2020, Spain has a total capacity of renewable energy of 55.6 GW.

The statistic states that as of the year 2020, Spain has a total capacity of renewable energy generation that amounts to 55.6 gigawatts (GW). This figure encompasses all types of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and others that are being utilized in Spain to generate electricity. Having a significant capacity of renewable energy implies that Spain has made substantial investments in transitioning towards cleaner and more sustainable sources of electricity generation, which is crucial for reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change. This statistic serves as a metric to assess Spain’s progress and commitment to achieving renewable energy targets and contributing to a more environmentally friendly energy sector.

Solar power in India is a fast developing industry with a cumulative capacity of over 36 GW as of 2020.

The statistic that solar power in India has a cumulative capacity of over 36 GW as of 2020 signifies the significant progress and growth of the solar energy industry in the country. This rapid development points to the increasing adoption of renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, as a key component of India’s energy mix. The cumulative capacity of 36 GW demonstrates the commitment and investment made by both the government and private sector in expanding the solar infrastructure to meet energy demands while also addressing environmental concerns. This statistic highlights the positive trend towards sustainable energy solutions and signals a promising future for solar power in India’s energy landscape.

Conclusion

Overall, the statistics presented in this blog post highlight the growth and potential of the clean energy industry. With increasing investments, advancements in technology, and the push for sustainable practices, the future looks promising for clean energy. It is clear that clean energy is not only essential for a greener planet, but also offers economic opportunities and benefits for society as a whole. Keeping track of these trends and statistics will be crucial for ensuring continued progress in the transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

References

0. – https://www.www.eia.gov

1. – https://www.www.solarwirtschaft.de

2. – https://www.about.bnef.com

3. – https://www.www.usenergyjobs.org

4. – https://www.www.cleanenergywire.org

5. – https://www.yearbook.enerdata.net

6. – https://www.asia.nikkei.com

7. – https://www.www.neb-one.gc.ca

8. – https://www.www.abs.gov.au

9. – https://www.www.mnre.gov.in

10. – https://www.www.irena.org

11. – https://www.www.iea.org

12. – https://www.www.ree.es

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!