Global investment in renewables topped non-renewables for the second consecutive year in 2009, according to newly-released Global Status Report from REN21. The report also states that more new power capacity came from renewable sources than from fossil fuels in the USA and Europe during the same period.

According to REN21, almost 80 GW of renewable capacity was added worldwide, 37 GW of that in world-leader China. Despite the economic downturn, it seems as if investment in green energy grew and this trend carried on through to the start of 2010, which seen first quarter rise of over 50 percent on the same period a year before.

Worldwide, an estimated 3 million people are employed in renewable energies industries. With assistance from ICLEI, 180 cities and local governments were studied as part of the report and receive special praise for their willingness to establish future targets. REN21 are a renewable energy policy network.

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