Automatic translation: Originally published in Finnish 01/09/2026, 12:05 GMT. Give feedback here.

Renewable energy and the growth of electricity consumption are hot topics, but public debate is not always based on up-to-date facts. Recently, the discussion has been colored by, among other things, shifts in US energy policy, geopolitical uncertainties, and the impact of data centers on electricity consumption and local power grids.

Is the growth of renewable energy slowing down? Has enough renewable energy already been built? Should investors wait for technology to become cheaper? We took a closer look at three common misconceptions about renewable energy in light of recent expert reports.

Myth 1: Geopolitical crises and the fading of climate policy are slowing down investments in renewable energy

That’s not the case. 

This view relies on mainstream media headlines: the US is withdrawing from its climate targets, geopolitical crises dominate the headlines, and climate change is sidelined in economic discussions.

However, investments in renewable energy have not stopped; quite the contrary. 

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global energy investments are expected to reach an all-time high in 2026, hitting around USD 3.4 trillion. Investments in clean energy are expected to reach around USD 2.2 trillion, which is nearly double the amount directed at fossil fuels.

Renewable energy is the most affordable and fastest way to increase electricity generation globally. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency IRENA, over 90 percent of renewable energy power plants commissioned in 2025 generated electricity at a lower cost than the cheapest new fossil-fueled power plants in their respective markets.

Although the political decisions of individual countries affect market development, the long-term direction of investments has remained strong. Recent geopolitical crises have in fact strengthened the energy transition toward renewables, as locally produced electricity protects against both fuel price spikes and import dependency.

Myth 2: Enough renewable energy has already been built

That’s not the case. 

Solar power plants are popping up around the world at a steady pace, and news of occasionally low electricity prices can create the impression that enough renewable capacity has already been built. 

However, this perspective is narrow for two reasons.

A significant portion of the world's electricity is still generated using fossil fuels, and this production must be replaced with cleaner energy.

Secondly, electricity demand is now growing even faster than before. The IEA estimates the growth rate to be 3.6 percent per year until 2030: about one and a half times faster than in the previous decade. The biggest drivers are data centers, electrifying transport and industry, electrifying heating, and the growing need for air conditioning.

The need for new renewable energy capacity thus arises simultaneously from replacing fossil generation and from growing electricity consumption. Globally, renewable energy capacity is estimated to nearly double by 2030

However, market development is not the same everywhere. In Finland, the price of electricity is at times very low, and relative to current demand, a relatively large amount of renewable energy has been built. In Korkia's other target countries, such as Italy, Chile or Canada, the situation is very different: the price of electricity is a multiple, solar radiation intensity is significantly higher, and demand growth is rapid.

Myth 3: The prices of solar panels and battery technology are falling, so it is better to invest in them later

That’s not the case. 

This claim is quite rational, as the price levels of renewable energy technologies have fallen at a furious pace. Prices for battery storage systems have dropped by over 80 percent over the decade. Prices for Chinese solar panels have decreased by around 60 percent since 2023. The drop in technology prices is part of the reason why renewable energy has become so competitive.

The profitability of a solar power plant or battery storage system is determined, among other things, by the location of the project, the proximity of the transmission grid, and grid connection permits. There is currently fierce global competition for grid connections: according to the IEA's Electricity 2026 report, projects representing more than 2,500 gigawatts are currently waiting in line for grid access.

The best locations and grid connections are therefore a scarce resource that does not improve by waiting. There is fierce competition for good locations for renewable energy production facilities and for access to the electricity grid, which is why the highest-quality projects are being prepared now, not ten years from now.

In energy projects, value is often created above all through the right location, permitting, and grid connection, not just technology.

Invest in the megatrend 

What the myths above have in common is a narrow timeframe of perspective. They are based on truthful matters, but do not look at the market as a whole.

The IEA calls the present moment the "Age of Electricity". The growth in electricity demand is unprecedented, driven by electrification, energy independence, the electrification of industry and transport, and cost-efficiency. These drivers are not dependent on the policies of individual states.

This decade will decide who actually builds the new energy infrastructure and where.

From an investor's perspective, the key question is where and by whom the infrastructure required by the energy transition will be built. Our fund, Korkia Global Renewables Ky, invests in renewable energy projects across three continents.

This is a megatrend, and through us you can invest in it:

>> Explore the Korkia Global Renewables Ky fund

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Alternative investment fund manager Korkia Capital Ltd. The information presented above is a general introduction to the products and services of Korkia Ltd (“Korkia”) or companies belonging to the same group. The information presented should not be construed as an individual recommendation or a suggestion to take, or refrain from taking, any investment or other actions. Please note that the acquisition of investment products always involves a risk of partial or complete loss of the invested capital. The value of an investment product may increase or decrease. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns, and the targeted return may not be achieved.