Global New investment in renewable energy by region 2018

In 2018, the largest regional investments into renewable energy came from China and Europe. China alone invested 93.2 billion U.S. dollars, while Europe as a whole contributed 62.2 billion to sustainable energy technologies. Investment in the United States was also significant on a global scale.

U.S. clean energy consumption

The United States is the second-largest consumer of renewable energy worldwide after China. Though hydroelectric power is currently that most common source of renewable electricity, increasing installed capacity has been coming from wind and solar in recent years. Investment in renewables in the United States has increased since the oil market became particularly turbulent during the 2008 financial crisis, and has also corresponded with the beginning of the Obama administration, which in 2009, called to double clean energy within three years.

Renewables in Europe

Germany holds a significant position as a leading consumer and producer of renewables worldwide, notable for its onshore wind capacity. Spain, the United Kingdom, and France are also among the largest installers of total wind power capacity in the world. Biomass is another major source of renewable energy for Europe, particularly in the heating and cooling sector.