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

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Electricity in The World in 2023/2024

From August 2023 to July 2024, the electricity consumption data reveals that more than half of the world's electricity, around 59%, comes from fossil energy sources like coal and gas. Coal alone accounts for about 35%, while gas contributes approximately 22%. On the brighter side, clean energy sources, which include nuclear, wind, and solar, make up close to 41% of electricity generation, indicating a significant share but still trailing behind fossil fuels. Hydropower is the largest contributor among clean energy sources, accounting for roughly 15% of electricity generation. Nuclear energy follows with just over 9%, while wind and solar contribute 8% and 6% respectively. Biofuels, while counted as low-carbon, contribute only a small fraction at close to 2% of electricity generation.

Suggestions

To boost low-carbon electricity generation, countries can learn from those successfully leveraging specific clean energy types. For instance, France leads with nuclear energy generating a remarkable 67% of its electricity, showcasing the potential of nuclear as a dependable low-carbon source. Denmark sets an impressive example by producing 59% of its electricity from wind. Slovakia, with 60% of electricity coming from nuclear, and Uruguay, sourcing 36% from wind, further highlight diverse paths to adopting clean energy solutions. By investing in and expanding nuclear and wind installations, nations can significantly enhance their sustainable energy portfolio while reducing reliance on environmentally harmful fossil fuels.

History

Historically, the evolution of low-carbon electricity has seen some remarkable progress, especially in recent years. In the 1980s, nuclear energy was on a rapid rise, with significant increases in generation seen throughout that decade. By 1985 and 1988, nuclear power contributed greatly to the electricity grid. More recently, the two decades ending in 2023 have witnessed substantial growth in both wind and solar electricity generation. Particularly notable are the years 2021 and 2022, where wind and solar experienced great leaps forward, reflecting global commitment to expand low-carbon energy. The upward trends in wind and solar energy demonstrate the increasing availability and viability of these green technologies, reinforcing the necessity for continuous investment and development in sustainable electricity sources to combat climate change and air pollution effectively.

Data Sources