Renewable energy sources generated 14.2% of net U.S. electric power generation during the first six months of 2013, up from 13.6% the same time a year ago, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Non-hydro renewable energy sources including solar, wind, and biomass energy, increased 12.1% in the first half of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. In particular, solar thermal and photovoltaic energy increased 56.9% in 2013 compared to the first half of 2012, and wind power grew 15.3% during the same timeframe, according to EIA.
Also, world energy consumption is projected to increase by 56% in the next three decades, driven by growth in the developing world, according to International Energy Outlook 2013 released on July 25 by EIA. Among the key findings of the report was that world energy consumption will increase from 524 quadrillion British thermal units (Btu) in 2010 to 820 quadrillion Btu in 2040, with half the total world increase in energy consumption attributed to China and India. Also, almost 80% of the projected global increase in renewable electricity generation is fueled by hydropower and wind power. The trend of rapid wind energy growth will continue into the future, according to International Energy Outlook 2013. See the EIA press release and the complete 2013 report.