Renewable Energy Continues Rapid Global Growth in 2007 March 12,
2008 The global use of renewable energy sources continued its
rapid growth in 2007, with 40 gigawatts of new renewable energy
capacity added throughout the world, according to a new report.
That capacity growth, which includes large hydropower, brings
the world's renewable energy generating capacity to more than a
thousand gigawatts. Excluding large hydropower, renewable
generating capacity grew by 33 gigawatts to a total of 240
gigawatts, a 16% annual growth rate. At 95 gigawatts, wind power
is the largest of the newer renewable energy sources, while
grid-connected solar photovoltaic systems increased by 53%,
reaching 7.8 gigawatts. Among other renewable energy sources,
ethanol production reached 12 billion gallons, biodiesel
production exceeded 2 billion gallons, and there are now enough
solar hot water systems to produce 128 gigawatts of thermal
energy. The United States now leads the world in new wind
capacity added each year and in annual e