A stark report from Ember indicates that while renewable energy surged to over 40% of the world’s electricity, carbon emissions hit a historic high due to increased fossil fuel use amidst rising temperatures.
The Surge of Clean Energy: 40% of Global Electricity in 2024, Yet Emissions Rise
The Surge of Clean Energy: 40% of Global Electricity in 2024, Yet Emissions Rise
The latest Ember report reveals clean energy's record share in global electricity generation, juxtaposed with escalating CO2 emissions.
In a striking update from Ember, a prominent global energy think tank, more than 40% of the world’s electricity was produced without fossil fuels in 2024. This statistic marks a significant milestone, being the highest contribution from clean energy since the 1940s. However, the report also highlighted a concerning trend: carbon dioxide emissions surged to an all-time peak, primarily driven by soaring demand for power amid extreme heat.
Phil Macdonald, the managing director of Ember, noted the pivotal role solar energy plays, stating, "Solar power has become the engine of the global energy transition." Remarkably, solar generation has doubled every three years since 2012, with China accounting for over half of the solar growth in 2024. Despite its rapid expansion, solar energy only represented about 7% of the global energy supply, akin to fueling the entirety of India.
The report also pointed to substantial growth in India’s solar capabilities, which doubled between 2023 and 2024. Yet, while the momentum of solar energy is undeniable, other renewable sources like wind and hydropower are growing at a more tempered pace. Wind generates just over 8%, while hydropower, the largest contributor to clean energy, stands at 14%. Both nuclear power and hydropower are advancing much slower compared to the rapid uptake of solar and wind sources.
Reflecting on the global landscape, the demand for electricity continues to outstrip the growth of renewables. Despite the contribution of clean energy reaching 40.9%, emissions from greenhouse gases remain unyielding, a troubling indicator of ongoing climate challenges. The report announced a 4% uptick in global electricity consumption for 2024. Factors like increased air conditioning usage due to higher temperatures significantly contributed to a 1.4% rise in fossil fuel generation, predominantly from coal and gas, ultimately leading CO2 emissions to reach 14.6 billion tonnes.
The continuous expansion of fossil fuels in economies like India and China remains a profound concern, thwarting efforts towards a sustainable energy future, even as the world makes strides in renewable energy adoption.
