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 world's electricity consumption revealed a notable division between fossil fuels and low-carbon sources. Fossil energy, comprising coal and gas, dominated with more than half of the total electricity generation, accounting for 59.25%. Specifically, coal was the largest fossil contributor at approximately 35%, followed by gas at almost 22%. On the other hand, low-carbon energy sources, which include hydropower, nuclear, wind, solar, and biofuels, collectively amounted to 40.75% of the world's electricity mix. Hydropower led the low-carbon group at nearly 15%, with nuclear and wind energy following at around 9% and 8%, respectively. Solar energy also played a significant role, contributing about 6%, while biofuels had a minor share at approximately 2%.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, the world can take valuable insights from countries excelling in various sustainable energy technologies. France sets a significant benchmark with 67% of its electricity generated from nuclear power. Similarly, Denmark leads in wind power, sourcing 61% of its electricity from wind farms. Slovakia, Ukraine, and several other countries, such as Switzerland and Bulgaria, also demonstrate the potential of nuclear energy, maintaining figures above 40%. By adopting a multi-faceted approach that includes substantial investment in nuclear facilities and expanding wind and solar capacities, countries can significantly reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. The data shows that even within smaller percentages, nations like Greece and Chile, with their focused solar initiatives, and the United Kingdom and Germany in wind energy, provide models of integrating diverse clean energy solutions.

History

Examining the history of low-carbon electricity reveals a journey of gradual but impactful transformations. In the early 1980s, hydropower saw a significant increase, with 241.8 TWh added in 1980 alone. The mid-1980s witnessed a substantial rise in nuclear power, especially between 1984 and 1985 when nuclear generation increased by over 500 TWh. Conversely, 2011 marked a significant setback for nuclear, with a reduction of 173.6 TWh. However, the 2010s experienced steady growth in other low-carbon technologies, particularly in wind and solar. Wind energy observed a notable leap in both 2021 and 2022, while solar power surged, especially between 2021 and 2023, adding around 950 TWh. This historical context underscores the dynamic shifts towards more sustainable electricity generation, poised to counteract the negative impacts of fossil fuels like climate change and air pollution.

Data Sources