A recent report by energy think tank Ember reveals that more than 30% of the world’s electricity is now generated using renewable sources, marking a significant milestone in the transition towards clean energy. The report highlights the substantial growth in wind and solar energy, which propelled global electricity production beyond this threshold in 2023.
Covering data from 80 countries representing 92% of the world’s energy demand and historical data from 215 other countries, the report underscores the rapid growth of renewables, signaling a critical juncture where fossil fuel generation begins to decline. Over the past decade, clean power sources have played a pivotal role in slowing the growth of fossil fuels by almost two-thirds.
Ember’s Director of Global Insights, Dave Jones, emphasizes the significance of this shift, stating, “The renewables future has arrived, with solar in particular accelerating faster than anyone thought possible.” Solar emerged as the world’s primary electricity supplier last year, outpacing coal and maintaining its position as the fastest-growing energy source for the 19th consecutive year.
The European Union (EU) stands out as a leader in renewable energy adoption, generating 44% of its electricity from renewables. The EU’s rapid expansion of solar and wind capacity surpasses the global average, contributing 17% to global growth in 2023. Countries like Greece, Hungary, and the Netherlands have achieved notable shares of solar power in their energy mix, with Chile leading the pack at almost 20%.
Sarah Brown, Ember’s European Programme Director, attributes the EU’s progress to early adoption and proactive measures, including the European Green Deal, which sets ambitious targets, formulates policies, and secures investments. Brown emphasizes the urgency for clean energy transition, particularly in light of geopolitical tensions and the imperative to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Despite challenges such as a five-year low in hydropower generation due to droughts in China and other regions, the Ember report remains optimistic about the trajectory of clean energy growth. While coal power saw an increase in some regions, Ember anticipates a 2% drop in fossil fuel generation globally this year, signaling a new era of declining power sector emissions.
Jones emphasizes the need for continued high-level policy ambition and investment in renewable energy solutions, particularly in the EU, to sustain momentum and accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels. As the world moves towards a cleaner energy future, the role of key enablers like the EU becomes increasingly critical in unleashing the full potential of solar and wind power.