Global share of energy consumed from renewables 1990-2018

In 2018, renewable energy consumption accounted for around 13.5 percent of the world's energy consumption. Renewable energy is an important step in mitigating climate change and reducing the consequences caused by the phenomenon.

Primary energy consumption from renewable sources

Primary energy is defined as a form of energy that can be encountered in nature and that has not undergone a transformation process. Both non-renewable and renewable sources can be considered forms of primary energy. Since 2006, the world’s usage of renewable energy has increased. In 2018, renewables reached 13.7 percent of the global primary energy consumption. Biofuels accounted for 9.5 percent of the world’s energy supply, while hydro energy made up about 2.5 percent. Renewable energies have become increasingly popular around the world as technologies like solar and wind become cheaper and more advanced.

China is leading in renewable energy installations

China is currently one of the world’s leaders in renewable energy, consuming 143.5 Mtoe from sustainable sources in 2018. The country’s growing renewable sector is surpassing both fossil fuels and nuclear power. China has become more reliant on renewable energy sources, as their establishment can be a foundation for energy security that is not subject to political instability. In 2018, China’s primary energy consumption reached over 2.5 billion tons of oil equivalent (Btoe) for coal and 608 million tons of oil (Mtoe), in fact, the country accounts for nearly 23.6 percent of the world’s primary energy consumption. Currently, the Asia and Pacific region is considered the largest primary energy consumer by far, at 5.98 Btoe, followed by Europe and Eurasia which consumed some 2.94 Btoe.