The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts a doubling of installed renewable energy capacity worldwide over the next five years, with an unprecedented growth of 2,400 gigawatts, the equivalent of the last 20 years.

In its annual report on renewable energies published today, the IEA focuses mainly on the evolution of clean energies over the next five years, until 2027, in the midst of an energy crisis triggered by the Western embargo on Russia.

According to the IEA and quoted by Lusa, the growth of 2,400 gigawatts is equivalent to the entire energy capacity of China, the second largest economic power.

"This huge increase is 30% higher than we predicted just a year ago," says the Paris-based international organization.

Clean energy will account for just over 90% of the world's total electricity expansion by 2027, in order to compensate for polluting coal as a source of electricity generation from the beginning of 2025.

China, the European Union (EU), the United States and India are leading the push for renewable energies. The desire to "become less dependent on imported fossil fuels" will lead Europe, for example, to increase its installed renewable energy capacity by 60% (425 gigawatts) over the next five years.

Compared to the five-year period 2016-2021, the installation of clean energy will more than double in the period 2022-2027.

Three quarters of this expansion will take place in seven European countries: Germany, Spain, France, the Netherlands and Poland within the European Union (EU), plus the United Kingdom and Turkey.

Despite the regulatory progress that has been made, the IEA believes that the EU club could further accelerate the deployment of solar and wind energy by reducing legal deadlines and red tape for new projects.

The agency cites more incentives for domestic solar panels as an example.

"This is a clear example of how the current energy crisis can be a historic turning point towards cleaner and more secure energy for the global energy system," said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol in the report.

For Birol, clean energy is "entering a new phase" in which countries have become aware of the benefits of energy security.

In addition to Europe, China will be one of the economic hubs that will make the biggest commitment to renewable energies.

According to the IEA, installed capacity in the Asian giant (currently 1,063 gigawatts) will double in five years, with a further 1,070 GW planned.

During the period 2022-2027, China will lead the expansion of new clean energy installations, accounting for half of the growth.

The United States will increase its clean energy capacity by 74%, the equivalent of an additional 280 GW between 2022 and 2027.

Wind and solar energy will be responsible for most of the growth.

Like China, India is expected to double its installed capacity in clean energy to 145 gigawatts, led by solar power (75%) and followed by onshore wind (15%).

In addition, both India and the United States are forecasting a major development of the solar energy industry with investments of around 25 billion dollars between 2022 and 2027.

Solar energy, together with wind, will account for 90% of additional capacity worldwide.

As for biofuels, demand will increase by 22% by 2027.

The United States, Canada, Brazil, Indonesia and India will be responsible for 80% of the expansion in the use of this type of energy, which is less polluting than gasoline.

According to the IEA, the progress of renewable energies in rich economies needs to be complemented by greater penetration in sectors such as transport and heating.

On the other hand, developing countries must improve their electricity grids and need better access to credit to finance new clean energy projects.