Renewable energy passes 30% of world’s electricity supply

Solar power was the main source of electricity growth, according to the report from thinktank Ember. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters

Renewable energy accounted for more than 30% of the world’s electricity for the first time last year following a rapid rise in wind and solar power, according to new figures.

A report on the global power system has found that the world may be on the brink of driving down fossil fuel generation, even as overall demand for electricity continues to rise.