Paris, France – Renewable energy has seen a significant increase in global electricity generation, surpassing 30% for the first time last year. This surge in clean electricity, particularly from wind and solar power, is driving down fossil fuel generation, according to a recent report on the global power system.
The findings from the report by climate think tank Ember reveal that clean electricity has helped slow the growth of fossil fuels by almost two-thirds over the past decade. In 2000, renewables accounted for only 19% of global electricity, but last year, they exceeded 30%.
Director of global insights at Ember, Dave Jones, stated, “The renewables future has arrived. Solar, in particular, is accelerating faster than anyone thought possible.” Solar energy has been a key contributor to the growth of clean electricity, surpassing coal in new electricity generation in 2023.
The report covers data from 80 countries, representing 92% of the world’s electricity demand, along with historical data from 215 countries. It predicts a 2% decrease in global fossil fuel generation in the coming year, signaling a shift towards cleaner energy sources.
Jones emphasized that the decline in power sector emissions is inevitable, with 2023 marking a turning point in the energy landscape. While the progress is promising, fossil fuels still play a significant role in sectors like transport, heavy industry, and heating.
A separate study by the Energy Institute found that fossil fuels made up 82% of the world’s primary energy sources last year. To combat this, world leaders have set a target to increase renewables to 60% of global electricity by 2030, aiming to reduce power sector emissions by almost half.
As countries strive to triple their current renewable electricity capacity in the next six years, the pace of the renewables revolution will be crucial in determining the future of global energy production. The shift towards clean energy sources signals a promising path towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly power system.