Abu Dhabi: A record renewable energy capacity of 152 gigawatt was added in 2015 alone across the world thanks to falling costs and improved technologies, which would accelerate the fight against climate change, according to the Abu Dhabi based International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena).

A gigawatt energy can power a medium size city or 750,000 homes, according to some online literature on energy.

“When we started out just over five years ago, many were not convinced of the need for the energy transformation. But developments during the past few years have exceeded the expectations of even the most optimistic supporters,” said Adnan Z. Ameen, director-general of Irena.

“With increased deployment, new solutions emerge and technology costs continue to decrease. By 2025, costs for solar photovoltaic could drop by a further 59 per cent, offshore wind by 35 per cent, and concentrated solar power by 43 per cent,” Ameen said.

He was presenting the annual report of the agency’s work at the 12th Council of the Irena in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. More than 300 government representatives from 100 countries are attending the meeting. The 21-member council meets twice annually to facilitate cooperation among members and oversee implementation of the Irena’s work programme.

Ameen said last year’s COP21 (Conference of Parties at Paris) landmark agreement cemented global consensus that the change is inevitable, with renewables at the forefront of the transition.

Although the energy system of the past was designed with a centralised model in mind, off-grid renewable electricity has started offering energy access to more people. “For instance, we know that some 60 million people may be using off-grid renewable electricity of some kind in Africa,” he said.

Ameen said small solar PV systems for single households can now provide basic electricity services for as little as $56 (Dh205.52) per year. Analysis has also shown that technological innovation and new business models will reduce the costs of producing electricity from renewable mini-grids by more than 60 per cent in the next two decades, he explained.

Irena’s report on ‘Decentralised Solutions in the Agri-food Chain’ highlights the socio-economic benefits of using decentralised renewable energy to increase production and productivity of the agri-food chain, which can help provide sustainable livelihoods for millions of people, Ameen said.