Huge rise in use of solar power accounted for half of renewable energy capacity added last year

Solar panels are becoming increasingly visible in Irish homes and businesses in recent months, bolstered by grants and incentives by the Government. Picture: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

The amount of renewable energy capacity added to energy systems around the world grew by 50% in 2023, propelled by huge momentum in solar power, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

In an optimistic outlook, the IEA said the world’s capacity to generate renewable electricity is expanding faster than at any time in the last three decades, and that 50% more renewable capacity was added globally last year than in 2022.