Historical Renewable Energy Data: Key Providers

Q: What makes Deloitte Insights a strong choice for renewable energy data and analysis?

Deloitte Insights is well-regarded for its thorough research , sector-specific predictions , and expert evaluations of renewable energy developments and technologies. Its materials serve as a crucial resource for stakeholders navigating the rapidly evolving energy landscape. With a focus on highlighting new opportunities and potential hurdles, Deloitte Insights equips businesses and leaders with the tools to craft informed and strategic plans in the renewable energy sector.

Looking for reliable historical renewable energy data? Here's what you need to know:

EIA (U.S. Energy Information Administration): Free, government-backed data with a focus on U.S. renewable energy trends. Offers user-friendly tools like APIs and downloadable datasets.
RENIXX World Index: Tracks the financial performance of the 30 largest renewable energy companies worldwide. Ideal for market analysis, but access often requires payment.
Deloitte Insights: Provides detailed reports combining data and industry analysis. Focuses on trends, policy impacts, and corporate sustainability efforts.
OilpriceAPI: Specializes in historical and real-time pricing for traditional energy sources like oil and gas. Useful for understanding market dynamics that influence renewable energy investments.

Quick Comparison

Provider	Focus Area	Accessibility	Cost	Best For
EIA	U.S. renewable energy data	Free API, CSV	Free	Researchers, policymakers, analysts
RENIXX Index	Global renewable companies	Paid access	Paid	Investors, market analysts
Deloitte	Industry trends and analysis	Reports	Premium	Executives, decision-makers
OilpriceAPI	Traditional energy pricing	JSON REST API	Tiered	Comparative market studies

Each source has strengths depending on your focus. For U.S. data, the EIA offers reliable, free tools. RENIXX is best for global market insights, while Deloitte provides in-depth analysis for executives. OilpriceAPI adds context with traditional energy pricing data.

Key Takeaway

Choose based on your needs: free U.S. data from EIA, global market trends from RENIXX, or detailed analysis from Deloitte. For broader context, OilpriceAPI complements renewable data with traditional energy insights.

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1. U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)

U.S. Energy Information Administration

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) serves as the federal government’s go-to source for energy statistics and analysis. Operating under the Department of Energy, the EIA provides data that not only tracks energy trends but also informs energy policy decisions. Its data is widely recognized for its influence on energy markets.

Data Accuracy

The EIA gathers its energy data through standardized surveys mandated by law, ensuring that the datasets are both comprehensive and reliable. This focus on data integrity allows users to access well-validated information via the EIA platform.

In recent years, the agency has updated its methodologies. One notable change was its shift from the fossil fuel equivalency approach to the captured energy approach for calculating the contribution of noncombustible renewables. For example, in 2018, this adjustment reduced the estimated share of noncombustible renewables from 15% to 6% by converting kilowatt-hours (kWh) to British thermal units (BTUs) using a 3,412 BTU per kWh factor.

However, some critics have pointed out that the EIA’s projections don’t always account for future changes in laws or regulations, which can impact the accuracy of long-term renewable energy forecasts.

Accessibility

Once validated, EIA data is made easily accessible to users of varying skill levels. For developers and other technical users, the EIA offers an API that features a RESTful design and a logical data hierarchy. This tool simplifies the integration of EIA data into custom applications. To use the API, users must register for a free key on the EIA’s Open Data pages. The API supports up to 5,000 rows in JSON and 300 in XML per request, with pagination options for larger datasets.

For non-technical users, the EIA provides interactive tools on its website. Data can be downloaded in various formats, including HTML, XLS, CSV, XML, and API, covering 85 datasets. This multi-format approach ensures that users can access the information they need, regardless of their technical expertise. Such accessibility makes the EIA a valuable resource for historical data and renewable energy analysis.

Pricing

The EIA’s data is entirely free to use, as long as users comply with its Copyrights and Reuse Policy. There are no subscription fees, usage limits, or premium tiers, which is a major benefit for organizations working with limited budgets or requiring extensive historical datasets for research.

Coverage

This free access supports extensive data coverage across renewable energy sectors. The EIA provides detailed insights into major renewable sources like solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and biomass. While the focus is primarily on U.S. state-level data, some international context is also included. The agency continues to update its data collection methods and expand its coverage as renewable energy markets grow and new technologies emerge.

2. RENIXX World Index/renewable-energy-industry.com

RENIXX World Index

The RENIXX World Index monitors the financial performance of the 30 largest renewable energy companies worldwide, ranked by market capitalization. Unlike traditional energy metrics, this index focuses on market dynamics and the financial standing of key players in the renewable energy sector.

Data Accuracy

The RENIXX World Index emphasizes accuracy by sourcing prices directly from recognized financial markets. All prices are delayed by 15 minutes and are pulled from German stock exchanges. This ensures the data reflects real market conditions, giving users a reliable snapshot of industry performance.

The index is known for capturing the renewable energy sector's volatility, showcasing both growth surges and market corrections. Its methodology, based on market capitalization rankings, ensures the index evolves as companies rise or fall in value. This dynamic approach keeps the focus on the most influential players in the industry at any given time.

Accessibility

RENIXX World data is widely accessible through trusted financial platforms like Reuters, Bloomberg, Financial Times, and wallstreet-online. These familiar tools make it easier for users to integrate the index into their existing workflows.

For those conducting in-depth research, the platform provides historical data in CSV format. This allows users to download and analyze data without needing complex software or API integrations. For instance, on July 18, 2025, the index data included detailed metrics: an open of 881.85, a close of 887.76, a high of 889.11, a low of 875.83, and a 1.00% change. This structured format simplifies historical analysis for researchers and analysts alike.

With its accessible and user-friendly data offerings, the index stands out as a valuable resource for understanding the renewable energy market.

Coverage

The RENIXX World Index provides comprehensive coverage of the global renewable energy landscape, encompassing key sectors like wind, solar, hydropower, geothermal, bioenergy, and fuel cell technology. This broad focus offers insights into the entire renewable energy ecosystem rather than isolating individual technologies.

Geographically, the index spans major renewable energy markets across multiple continents. As of July 18, 2025, it included companies from:

United States: Array Technologies, Bloom Energy, Enphase Energy, First Solar, Ormat Technologies, Plug Power, SolarEdge Technologies, Sunrun Inc., XPENG Inc.
Canada: Ballard Power Systems, Boralex Inc., Canadian Solar Inc., Innergex Renewable Energy, Northland Power Inc.
China: Chin.Longyuan Pwr G.H YC1, Goldwind Scie.+Techno. H, Xinyi Solar Hldgs.
Europe: Germany (Nordex SE O.N., SFC Energy AG, SMA Solar Technol.AG, Verbio SE INH O.N.), Denmark (Orsted A/S DK 10, Vestas Wind Sys. DK -,20), and Norway (Scatec ASA NK -,02).

3. Deloitte Renewable Energy Industry Insights

Deloitte

Deloitte sets itself apart by offering strategic insights derived from comprehensive industry surveys and policy analysis, rather than simply providing raw historical datasets. The Renewable Energy Industry Outlook for 2024 draws on findings from the power and utilities survey and detailed policy evaluations to highlight key trends in the sector. This approach provides a richer, more contextual understanding of the renewable energy landscape compared to standard data-centric reports.

Data Accuracy

To ensure reliability, Deloitte combines authoritative data sources like FERC and EIA with direct surveys of power and utility executives. Their dedicated research team focuses on the implications of the energy transition, resulting in a more nuanced analysis. For example, their 2024 review of FERC data revealed that nearly 90% of new utility-scale solar and wind capacity additions comprised all new builds and expansions in the first nine months of the year. Additionally, their examination of S&P Global Market Intelligence data found that solar and wind capacity contracted to U.S. data centers has grown to almost 34 GW through 2024.

Accessibility

Deloitte's renewable energy insights are made available through the Research Center for Energy & Industrials, which offers a variety of resources, including articles, multimedia content, and an online archive of past reports. These resources are tailored for executive-level decision-making, focusing on strategic reports and industry outlooks rather than raw data feeds or API services. This format supports leaders looking to make informed, forward-thinking decisions.

Deloitte also emphasizes its pivot toward strategic insights by concentrating on industrial policy, technological investments, and sustainability trends.

Coverage

Deloitte’s analysis spans the entire renewable energy ecosystem, covering key trends and their interconnections rather than limiting itself to isolated metrics. Their research highlights five major areas: cleantech manufacturing, AI-driven demand, carbon industries, technological advancements, and workforce development. This comprehensive perspective sheds light on how these factors collectively drive growth. For instance, Deloitte's 2024 findings reported an 88% surge in solar capacity to 18.6 GW and a 64% increase in battery storage to 7.4 GW. They also project that data centers will generate approximately 44 GW of additional demand by 2030.

Beyond technical metrics, Deloitte also examines corporate sustainability efforts. Their research shows that 98% of executives have made progress toward sustainability goals, though only 15% of companies currently disclose Scope 3 emissions, despite increasing regulatory pressures. Kristen Sullivan, Audit & Assurance Partner for Sustainability and ESG Services at Deloitte & Touche LLP, notes:

"The creation of dedicated ESG teams, the rise in specialized roles, and investments in sustainability reporting, all indicate a strategic shift toward embedding sustainability into their core operations."

This broad scope makes Deloitte's insights especially valuable for understanding not only the technical aspects of renewable energy but also the business strategies and policy frameworks driving the sector forward.

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4. OilpriceAPI

OilpriceAPI

OilpriceAPI complements renewable energy-focused data providers by offering historical pricing information that helps interpret broader market trends.

This platform specializes in commodities data, delivering both real-time and historical price information for Brent Crude, WTI, Natural Gas, and Gold through a JSON REST API. While its focus is on traditional energy sources, the historical data it provides can be a valuable tool for understanding market dynamics that influence renewable energy developments.

Data Accuracy

The reliability of OilpriceAPI's data stands out when compared to the U.S. Energy Information Administration's (EIA) official figures. For instance, during the first quarter of 2025, its data for Crude, Gasoline, and Distillate stocks stayed within 1% of the EIA's numbers, as reported in the Petroleum Supply Monthly.

OilpriceAPI gathers its data from a wide range of U.S. oil and gas companies, utilizing the same weekly survey forms used by the EIA. These companies range from major players to smaller operators, selected based on their refinery and storage capacities. The platform achieves a high response rate - approximately 90% - depending on the product and region. To account for the remaining 10%, it employs methods such as trend analysis, seasonal adjustments, and imputation, ensuring a comprehensive dataset.

Accessibility

Accessing data through OilpriceAPI is straightforward, thanks to its user-friendly JSON REST API. This format is particularly useful for developers and analysts who need to integrate commodities data into their workflows. The API includes multiple endpoints, allowing users to retrieve both real-time and historical data across various time frames with ease.

Pricing

OilpriceAPI offers flexible subscription plans designed to meet the needs of different users. Options include Hobby, Business, and Enterprise tiers, each with varying limits on API requests. This structure ensures that both independent researchers and large organizations can find a plan that aligns with their budget and data requirements.

Coverage

The platform provides extensive real-time and historical data for key commodities like Brent Crude, WTI, Natural Gas, and Gold. While OilpriceAPI doesn’t focus directly on renewable energy, its data offers valuable insights into the market dynamics that impact renewable energy investments. By analyzing long-term trends in traditional energy pricing, users can better understand how these trends often correlate with shifts toward renewable energy. This contextual information adds an important economic layer to renewable energy analysis, making OilpriceAPI a useful tool for comparative studies.

Provider Comparison: Strengths and Weaknesses

Different providers bring unique strengths and challenges when it comes to historical renewable energy data. Recognizing these differences is key to selecting the best data source for specific needs.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) is known for its broad data coverage and zero cost, making it a go-to option for researchers and budget-conscious organizations. Its accuracy is backed by government standards, and its API supports machine-readable formats like JSON, CSV, and XLS. However, its focus is primarily on U.S. markets, which can limit its usefulness for global renewable energy analysis.

The RENIXX World Index specializes in renewable energy market intelligence on a global scale. It excels at tracking the performance and trends of renewable energy companies, offering valuable insights for investors and market analysts. However, its accessibility can be less straightforward compared to government-backed sources, and it typically operates on a paid model.

Deloitte Renewable Energy Industry Insights combines market data with expert analysis, providing strategic context to help decision-makers understand complex trends. This service is particularly useful for those seeking in-depth interpretation of the data. On the downside, it is often more expensive and updated less frequently than providers offering real-time data.

OilpriceAPI stands out for its focus on traditional energy markets, offering a broader market context that complements renewable energy data. Its flexible pricing tiers and easy integration through a JSON REST API make it appealing for users needing insights into traditional commodities. However, its emphasis on traditional energy metrics may not align directly with renewable energy-focused needs.

Here’s a quick comparison of the core features of each provider:

Provider	Data Accuracy	Accessibility	Pricing	Coverage
U.S. EIA	Government-backed standards	Free API, CSV/XLS/JSON formats	Free	Comprehensive U.S. data
RENIXX World Index	Market-focused accuracy	Web interface, limited API	Paid	Global renewable companies
Deloitte Insights	Expert-validated analysis	Reports and publications	Premium pricing	Strategic market analysis
OilpriceAPI	High accuracy	JSON REST API	Tiered subscriptions	Traditional energy market context

Ultimately, the right choice depends on your specific goals. The U.S. EIA is ideal for free, U.S.-specific data, while RENIXX offers global insights for a fee. Deloitte is best for strategic analysis, and OilpriceAPI provides a broader energy market perspective for those interested in traditional commodities alongside renewables.

Conclusion

Choosing the right historical renewable energy data provider hinges on your specific needs, budget, and technical requirements. Each provider has strengths tailored to different user groups and applications. The best choice will align with your primary focus - whether it's domestic data reliability, global market insights, or in-depth strategic analysis.

For U.S.-based users, the EIA stands out as a top choice. It offers free access to a vast range of data on American renewable energy markets, presented in multiple formats. Researchers, policymakers, and organizations with tight budgets will find its government-backed standards and reliable API integration especially useful.

While the EIA is ideal for U.S. users, those seeking global intelligence might lean toward the RENIXX World Index, and for strategic, context-rich insights, Deloitte's reports provide more than just raw data.

The importance of selecting the right provider can't be overstated. Efficient access to reliable data can cut collection time by 10–33%, which is invaluable when working with the unpredictable nature of renewable energy sources and the need for timely decisions. Free providers deliver great value, but premium providers justify their costs with advanced features and deeper insights. When evaluating options, consider factors like resolution, geographic scope, and validation reports to ensure data accuracy.

The renewable energy sector is evolving rapidly. In 2023, renewables hit a record high, making up 44% of the EU's electricity mix. This growth underscores the increasing demand for precise, up-to-date data.

For a broader perspective, pairing renewable energy data with traditional energy insights - like those from OilpriceAPI - can provide a more comprehensive view of the energy landscape. This combination helps users understand the interplay between renewable adoption and traditional energy markets. Ultimately, aligning your choice of provider with your strategic goals ensures smarter, more effective decision-making.

FAQs

What should I look for when selecting a provider for historical renewable energy data?

When selecting a provider for historical renewable energy data, prioritize accuracy, ease of access, and transparent pricing. Having reliable data is essential for making sound decisions, so it's important to confirm that the provider delivers precise and current information.

Look into factors like the frequency of updates, the provider's track record, and the range of data coverage, including the various renewable energy sources they track. These elements will ensure the data aligns with your specific requirements and enhances your analysis.

What does the EIA's switch from the fossil fuel equivalency approach to the captured energy approach mean for understanding renewable energy data?

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) has shifted to the captured energy approach, providing a clearer and more consistent way to measure renewable energy. Instead of relying on the fossil fuel equivalency method - which estimated renewable energy based on the energy content of fossil fuels - this approach measures the actual energy captured and utilized from renewable sources.

This update simplifies the understanding of renewable energy's role in production and consumption, offering a more accurate picture of its share in the energy mix. It also brings U.S. data in line with global standards, making comparisons with other countries much easier.

What makes Deloitte Insights a strong choice for renewable energy data and analysis?

Deloitte Insights is well-regarded for its thorough research, sector-specific predictions, and expert evaluations of renewable energy developments and technologies. Its materials serve as a crucial resource for stakeholders navigating the rapidly evolving energy landscape.

With a focus on highlighting new opportunities and potential hurdles, Deloitte Insights equips businesses and leaders with the tools to craft informed and strategic plans in the renewable energy sector.