The use of alternative energy has been growing rapidly in recent years. Contributing factors in the growth are strong policy support, technological advancements, and declining costs. In the period 2000 to 2004, grid-connected solar PV registered the fastest growth at an average 60%. Wind, biodiesel, solar heating and off-grid solar PV has seen fairly strong growth rates as well.

In contrast, fossil fuel generated power capacity grew at about 3% to 4% and nuclear power capacity at only 1.6%.