IEA Sees Renewables Growth Accelerating Outside Europe

The Paris-based agency cut its forecast for Europe’s renewable capacity growth by six percent from last year’s estimate. The region is still expected to add about 100 gigawatts annually through 2031, but the report said higher electricity prices linked to the conflict in the Middle East had not yet prompted major policy changes or a measurable acceleration in installations.

Elsewhere, costly fuels and concerns about energy security are pushing adoption faster. The IEA raised its forecast for the United States by almost 40 percent compared with last year, and lifted its projection for sub-Saharan Africa by 54 percent.

“Previously, environmental concerns were the policy priority behind the growth of renewables,” IEA executive director Fatih Birol said on Friday. Energy security is now the main driver, he said, as countries seek to reduce their exposure to imported fuels. For the first time, poorer countries outside China are expected to add renewable capacity at the same pace as richer countries.