Climate Notes: Prices for Wind and Solar Energy Fall Unexpectedly Fast - Background, Impact and Outlook

Renewable energies are playing an increasingly important role in the energy system: in 2016 their share of global primary energy consumption totalled 9%, after growing twice as fast as primary energy needs at an annual rate of 4% since 2000. The speed and extent of growth far exceeded all expectations arising from scenarios and forecasts. This article offers an overview of developments and outlines expectations with regard to the expansion of renewable energies.