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

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Electricity in The World in 2023/2024

In the last 12 months, from August 2023 to July 2024, the world's electricity consumption has been characterized by a predominant reliance on fossil fuels, which account for approximately 59% of the total electricity generated. Among fossil fuels, coal comprises about 35%, and gas makes up around 22%. On the other hand, low-carbon electricity sources collectively constitute nearly 41% of global electricity consumption. Hydropower leads this group at roughly 15%, followed by nuclear energy at about 9%, wind at 8%, and solar at around 6%. Biofuels, while categorized as low-carbon, contribute a minimal 2%. This distribution highlights the significant room for growth in clean energy sources to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate their harmful effects on the environment.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, the world can draw lessons from countries with successful implementations of nuclear, wind, and solar energy. France, for instance, generates an impressive 67% of its electricity from nuclear power, demonstrating the potential scale and stability of this low-carbon source. Similarly, Denmark's 61% electricity generation from wind and Uruguay's 36% from the same source showcase the effectiveness of wind energy when it comes to clean energy solutions. Greece and Chile, producing around 22% and 21% of their electricity from solar power, illustrate the feasibility and benefits of harnessing solar energy, especially in regions with abundant sunlight. By following these successful examples, other countries can develop and diversify their clean energy portfolios and achieve similar benefits.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity generation reveals significant trends and milestones over the decades. In the 1980s, there was a substantial increase in hydro and nuclear electricity, with hydro growing by almost 242 TWh in 1980 and nuclear adding around 216 TWh in 1984 and 291 TWh in 1985. The 21st century saw periodic growth spurts in hydro and significant advancements in wind and solar energy. Notable increases include the addition of nearly 148 TWh to wind in 2019 and about 149 TWh to solar in 2020. Particularly striking is the continued robust growth in recent years, with solar energy expanding by approximately 270 TWh in 2022 and wind by almost 248 TWh in the same year. Unfortunately, 2011 saw a marked decline in nuclear generation by about 174 TWh, a drop that should be critically examined. Despite this, the overall trend points toward increasing reliance on clean sources like nuclear, wind, and solar, which signals a positive trajectory for sustainable global electricity generation.

Data Sources