Global renewable energy goal falls short of 2030 target, says IEA

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.

Fiona Harvey reports for The Guardian.

In short:

• 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.

Related EHN coverage:

• Solar soars: Renewable energy, by the numbers
• Global renewable energy has quadrupled over past decade
• Op-ed: Solving the climate crisis requires more than switching to renewables—everyone needs equal access