Renewable energy is more affordable than ever according to a 2017 report from UN Environment. The report discusses positive developments for clean energy, but expresses some concern over decreased investment in the industry.

Renewable energy is energy produced from resources, such as wind, the sun, tides, rain, and heat from the ground. Renewable energy is also called “clean energy” because it is natural, and does not make air dirty.

In 2016, global investment in renewable energy decreased by almost a quarter compared to the previous year. According to the United Nations Environment Program, total investments in 2016 were $241.6 billion (about ¥26 trillion), down from $312.2 billion (about ¥34 trillion) in 2015.

Even though companies spent less on renewable energy in 2016, the total amount of renewable energy increased by 8% from 2015. Prices were lower because it cost less to install wind, solar and other systems. Simply put, investors spent less money and got more energy.

The Climate Reality Project Organization lists various countries and describes their use of renewable energy. Costa Rica and Uruguay can get more than 90% of their electricity from renewable energy.

In 2015, Scotland used wind power to produce energy equal to 97% of the electricity used in homes. In the same year, Sweden’s prime minister promised to make the country completely fossil-fuel-free. Denmark aims to achieve the same result by 2050.

In 2014, China led the world for the most installed wind-energy. Germany and Britain are developing huge wind power projects. Morocco and India aim to build the biggest solar power plants on the planet.

In Japan, renewable energy sources are also contributing more. After the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011, the government closed many nuclear plants. The need for alternative energy increased. In 2012, the government started programs to support investment in solar and clean energy. The country still uses fossil fuels for most of its energy needs, but according to projections for 2030 from The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Japan will use renewable energy (22-24%) and nuclear power (20-22%) for its electricity generation.

Total investment in renewable energy fell in 2016, but the future looks positive for the industry.

A 2017 report from the United Nations says that renewable energy is becoming cheaper. The report says countries around the world are using more renewable energy. Some people are worried because global spending on this energy is falling.

Renewable energy is energy made from things, such as wind, the sun, rain, and heat from the ground. Renewable energy is also called “clean energy” because it does not make the air dirty.

In 2016, global spending on renewable energy fell about 25% compared to the year before. The United Nations Environment Program said, total spending in 2016 was $241.6 billion (about ¥26 trillion), down from $312.2 billion (about ¥34 trillion) in 2015.

Companies spent less on renewable energy in 2016, but the total amount of renewable energy went up by 8% from 2015. Prices were lower because it cost less to install wind, solar and other systems. Companies and governments spent less money and got more energy.

The Climate Reality Project Organization lists various countries and describes their use of renewable energy. Costa Rica and Uruguay can get more than 90% of their electricity from renewable energy.

In 2015, in Scotland, wind power reached 97% of the electricity used in homes. Sweden also said, in the future, the country will only use renewable energy. Denmark wants to achieve the same result by 2050.

In 2014, China built the most new wind energy plants in the world. Now, Germany and Britain are developing very big wind power projects. Morocco and India are building the biggest solar power plants on Earth.

Japan is also using more renewable energy. After the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011, the government closed many nuclear plants. Japan needed different kinds of energy. In 2012, the government started programs to raise spending on solar and clean energy. Japan uses oil, gas and coal for most of its energy, but the government wants Japan to use renewable energy (22-24%) and nuclear power (20-22%) for its electricity in 2030.

Governments and companies spent less on renewable energy in 2016, but renewable energy will continue to grow.