Renewable energy targets have quadrupled globally since 2005, according to a new report.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) found 164 countries have adopted at least one type of green energy target – up from just 43 countries in 2005.

IRENA is an intergovernmental organisation which promotes the adoption and sustainable use of renewable energy.

The paper also found developing and emerging economies are leading the adoption of targets, accounting for 131 of the 164 countries. It added the majority of countries (150) focus on the electricity sector.

IRENA Director-General Adnan Z. Amin said: “Governments are increasingly adopting renewable energy targets to meet multiple objectives including energy security, environmental sustainability and socio-economic benefits.

“The rapid growth of targets is just one more signal of the world’s ongoing shift towards renewable energy and away from fossible fuels.”

The number of countries setting targets for the heating/cooling sector increased from two countries in 2005 to 47 this year. Similarly, renewable transport targets have more than doubled from 27 countries in 2005 to 59 this year.