1. The rise of solar power – The total installed capacity of solar photovoltaic (PV) grew by over 25% in 2020, with China, the US and Europe leading the way.
2. Advancements in wind power technologies – Innovations in wind turbine design and improvements in energy storage have made wind power more competitive.
3. Increase in offshore wind projects – Offshore wind has seen significant growth in recent years and continues to expand, particularly in Europe and Asia.
4. The adoption of electric vehicles – The increased demand for electric vehicles has driven the development of renewable energy infrastructure such as charging stations and more efficient battery technology.
5. Expansion of battery storage – Developments in battery storage technology have enabled renewable energy to deliver more consistent and predictable power.
6. Bioenergy advances – Biogas, biofuels, and biomass have also seen significant technological advancements, allowing for more efficient and sustainable production.
7. Hydroelectric power progress – Hydroelectric power remains a high-volume renewable energy source, and there are ongoing developments in efficient turbine technologies.
8. Wave and tidal energy innovations – Wave and tidal technologies are still in the early stages of development but are gaining traction as a promising source of renewable energy.
9. Geothermal technology growth – Geothermal energy is expected to become increasingly important in the transition to renewable energy, with innovative technologies making it more accessible and cost-effective.
10. The growth of smart grids and digitalisation – Digitalisation is enabling the integration of renewable energy into existing grids, paving the way for a more efficient and reliable renewable energy system.