Renewables 2023 Global Status Report (GSR) (Supply Modules)

In addition to the global development and climate deterioration, the global energy crisis experienced in 2021-2022 has highlighted the critical importance of securing a reliable and stable energy supply. In this context, policy makers as well as energy consumers have turned more attention to renewable energy. As shifting to renewables becomes a global necessity, a pressing question remains: How do we ensure that we have enough of them to support a prosperous economy, foster social equity, and achieve sustainable development? And how can we provide secure and stable energy supply globally?

Renewable power experienced record-breaking growth in 2022, but this progress alone does not capture the full picture of the transition. The current growth rate of renewable power is still insufficient, and it overshadows some critical bottlenecks, such as slow permitting processes and insufficient grid infrastructure – as I write, over 1 terawatt of renewable power capacity is waiting to be constructed or connected to the grid. Renewable heat and fuels also lag - heat and fuels provide nearly 80% of global energy supply but are still largely depending on fossil fuel. To shield us from future crises, policymakers need to pay greater attention to diversifying the sources and technologies of renewables.