Renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, made up a record 12% of global electricity generation in 2022, up from 10% in the previous year, according to a report by an independent climate and energy think tank. The report analyzed power sector data from 78 countries, which together represent 93% of global power demand.
Renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, made up a record 12% of global electricity generation in 2022, up from 10% in the previous year, according to a report by an independent climate and energy think tank. The report analyzed power sector data from 78 countries, which together represent 93% of global power demand.
Despite a global gas crisis, coal generation increased by 1.1%, while gas-fired power generation decreased by 0.2% due to high prices. However, the report noted that the rise in CO2 emissions from the power sector was slowed by the growth of wind and solar energy. If all the electricity from wind and solar generation had come from fossil fuels instead, power sector emissions would have been 20% higher in 2022.
The report predicts a decline of 0.3% in fossil fuel generation this year, followed by larger declines in subsequent years as more wind and solar power comes online. The International Energy Agency has set a goal for the power sector to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, which would require wind and solar to contribute 41% of global electricity generation by 2030.
As the power sector is the largest source of planet-warming carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions worldwide, reducing its emissions is crucial to combating climate change. The growth in renewable energy sources is a positive step towards achieving this goal.