Transforming Global Power Systems

Renewable energy technologies harness naturally replenished resources to generate electricity, heat, and fuel while producing minimal greenhouse gas emissions. Solar photovoltaics convert sunlight directly into electricity through semiconductor materials that release electrons when exposed to photons. Wind turbines transform kinetic energy from moving air into mechanical energy and then electricity through electromagnetic generators. Hydropower captures energy from flowing water, while geothermal systems utilize heat from within Earth's crust. These technologies have undergone dramatic cost reductions over the past decadesolar photovoltaic prices dropped over 80% between 2010 and 2020, while onshore wind costs fell by approximately 40%. This economic transformation has accelerated global adoption, with renewables accounting for the majority of new electricity generation capacity worldwide since 2015. Shutdown123