Renewables 2021
Analysis and forecasts to 2026
About this report
Renewables 2021 is the IEA’s primary analysis on the sector, based on current policies and market developments. It forecasts the deployment of renewable energy technologies in electricity, transport and heat to 2026 while also exploring key challenges to the industry and identifying barriers to faster growth.
Renewables are the backbone of any energy transition to achieve net zero. As the world increasingly shifts away from carbon emitting fossil fuels, understanding the current role renewables play in the decarbonisation of multiple sectors is key to ensuring a smooth pathway to net zero.
While renewables continued to be deployed at a strong pace during the Covid-19 crisis, they face new opportunities and challenges. This year’s report frames current policy and market dynamics while placing the recent rise in energy and commodities prices in context. In addition to providing detailed market analysis and forecasts, Renewables 2021 also explores trends to watch including storage, producing hydrogen from renewable electricity, stimulus packages, aviation biofuels and residential heating.
Online table of contents
Renewables Data Explorer
Renewables 2022 includes this dynamic data dashboard which enables users to explore historical data and forecasts for all sectors and technologies. It also allows users to compare Renewables 2020, Renewables 2021 and Renewables 2022 forecasts. The associated Renewables 2022 dataset gives full access to all of the data available in this dashboard for the Renewables 2022 forecast, plus additional premium data for all sectors and technologies, including additional historical years.