Low-Carbon Power: Monitor the Transition to Low Carbon Energy

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Electricity in The World in 2023/2024

From November 2023 to October 2024, electricity consumption worldwide has been significantly influenced by both fossil and low-carbon sources. More than half of the global electricity, around 59%, still comes from fossil energy sources like coal and gas, with coal accounting for approximately 35% and gas about 22%. On the other hand, low-carbon energy sources, which include nuclear, hydropower, wind, solar, and biofuels, make up about 41% of electricity generation. Among these low-carbon sources, nuclear power, wind, and solar energy are the leading contributors, providing about 9%, 8%, and 7% of electricity, respectively. While the world is still heavily reliant on fossil fuels, the growing share of low-carbon electricity is a positive sign towards a cleaner energy future.

Suggestions

To increase the share of low-carbon electricity, the world can draw lessons from nations leading in low-carbon electricity generation. Countries like France and Slovakia have embraced nuclear energy, obtaining 68% and 60% of their electricity from this source, respectively. Denmark serves as a remarkable example in wind energy, generating 59% of its electricity through wind power. Nations can significantly reduce their carbon footprint by investing in nuclear energy, which provides reliable base-load power and complements intermittent sources such as wind and solar. Additionally, expanding wind and solar infrastructure, as seen in the cases of Ireland, Uruguay, and Chile, is crucial for diversifying the low-carbon energy mix. By learning from these successes and fostering international collaborations, countries can effectively transition towards a sustainable, low-carbon electricity system.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity has seen remarkable developments over the decades. In the 1980s, nuclear and hydropower expanded significantly, with notable increases such as 290.9 TWh in nuclear plant outputs in 1985. However, challenges arose, evident in 2011, when nuclear generation experienced a decline of 173.6 TWh. Recent years have been marked by rapid growth in wind and solar electricity, notably from 2017 onwards. For instance, 2021 saw wind and solar outputs surge by 264.9 TWh and 196.7 TWh, respectively. This positive momentum continued into 2023 and 2024, with consistent expansions in wind and solar capacities contributing 217.3 TWh and 351.3 TWh, respectively. As we continue to harness these technologies, the global shift towards low-carbon electricity can be accelerated, underscoring the vital role these green energy sources play in mitigating climate change and ensuring sustainable energy development.

Data Sources