Out-Law News

Renewable energy from sun and wind grows 70% in five years


G20 countries produced 8% of their energy from solar and wind sources in 2015, up 70% from 4.6% in 2010, the Financial Times has reported.

Seven G20 countries generate more than 10% of their energy from wind and sun compared to three countries in 2010, according to a survey commissioned by the Financial Times.

Germany is the leading user of "green power", with 36% of its electricity coming from these renewable sources, the Financial Times said.

The UK, Italy and France followed with more than 19% of energy coming from wind and solar followed by Australia and Brazil on 11% and 13% respectively. In the UK, 24% of power came from these alternative sources, up from 6% in 2010.

The Financial Times survey did not look at hydro power, which is a major source of renewable energy. "Instead, the data underline the growth of newer forms of green energy such as solar and wind farms that have been heavily subsidised in many countries as governments try to combat global warming," the newspaper said.

China accounted for nearly one third of the $329 billion invested globally in clean energy last year but wind and solar plants still only provide 5% of the country's power, the Financial Times said. 

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