World energy outlook and state of renewable energy: 10-Year evaluation

Abstract

In this study, the energy situation of the world and the development of renewable energy were evaluated in the 10-year period covering the years 2012–2021. The share of renewable energy in electricity production and primary renewable energy consumption was assessed, and its development over the years was interpreted. The interest in renewable energy has been increasing regularly over the years. By evaluating the world energy data, it has been observed that renewable energy's installed power and consumption have increased significantly in the determined period.Renewable energy is of great importance for sustainable development. However, even today, fossil fuels have the highest share in primary energy consumption. In addition, the use and consumption of renewable energy worldwide are regularly increasing. While 0.24 Gtoe of the world's primary energy consumption was met from renewable energy sources in 2012, this value increased to 0.95 Gtoe in 2021. Also, approximately 7.4% of the total electricity production in the world was met from renewable energy in 2016; this rate increased to 12.8% in 2021. While the use of renewable energy is more intense in EU countries compared to other parts of the world, it is observed that the use of renewable energy is widespread in other parts of the world.