8 impressive renewable energy highlights from 2018

With 2019 somehow well upon us and the news constantly seeming to be of a negative nature, we wanted to share a few very positive news stories from the world of renewable energy in the year that was 2018. This year is set to see even more advances in the sector and (hopefully) nations’ and organisations’ impressive clean energy targets met. Here are some highlights you might have missed:

1. The world surpassed 1000 GW of cumulative installed wind and solar power. To put this into perspective, 10 years ago, there was less than 8 GW of installed solar power available, and just ONE GW is enough to power 100 million LED lights!
    
2. California unveiled one of the most ambitious climate targets of all time, with a commitment to making the state (the world’s fifth biggest economy!) carbon neutral by 2045.
    
3. The world’s biggest energy consumer, China stepped up its renewable energy target by committing to 35% clean energy by 2030.
    
4. Chile has managed to quadruple its clean energy sources since 2013, resulting in a 75% drop in the average cost of electricity.
    
5. Some of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds (representing more than $3 trillion in assets) and Black Rock, the world’s biggest fund manager (with assets worth $5.1 trillion) said they would only invest in companies that factor climate risks into their strategies, thereby helping to achieve the climate goals of the Paris agreement.
    
6. India increased its already substantial 2022 clean energy target by 28%. It has set out to add 150 GW of wind and solar in the next four years.
    
7. Ireland became the world’s first country to divest from fossil fuels, after a bill was passed with all party-support to sell more than €300 million worth of shares in coal, oil, peat and gas ‘as soon as practical’.
    
8. Spain committed to shutting down most of its coalmines by the end of the year, after the government agreed to early retirement for miners, re-skilling and environmental restoration.

We are looking forward to seeing what 2019 has to offer in the renewable energy space and are proud to play a significant part in uniting talented professionals to this life changing industry. If you are interested in a role in this sector, please view our latest jobs here.