59% of global electricity is generated from Fossil

Fossil fuels, which include coal, oil, and natural gas, are among the most widely used sources of energy globally. These energy sources are derived from the remains of ancient organisms that have been subjected to heat and pressure over millions of years. This concentrated form of energy has powered industrial revolutions and continues to be a critical component of the global energy mix. Particularly in electricity generation, fossil fuels play a dominant role, accounting for a substantial portion of global electricity production despite the rise of numerous low-carbon technologies. However, the reliance on fossil fuels is coupled with significant environmental challenges, primarily due to high carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions.

Electricity generation from fossil fuels primarily involves burning the fuel to produce heat. In most modern power plants, this heat is used to convert water into steam, which then drives a turbine connected to a generator, producing electricity. Coal-fired power plants, for example, are the backbone of electricity systems in many regions. These plants, along with natural gas facilities, which often use a cleaner burning process, collectively form the staple of traditional energy infrastructures. Due to the existing infrastructure and resource availability, fossil fuels continue to be a reliable option to meet the growing global electricity demand.

One of the significant drawbacks of using fossil fuels for electricity is their high carbon intensity. Coal power, with 820 gCO2eq/kWh, and oil, with 650 gCO2eq/kWh, are notably high, while natural gas, despite being cleaner, still emits 490 gCO2eq/kWh. In contrast, low-carbon energy technologies such as wind (11 gCO2eq/kWh), solar (45 gCO2eq/kWh), and nuclear (12 gCO2eq/kWh) offer a stark difference by significantly reducing emissions. These technologies provide a pathway toward a sustainable energy future, aligning with global climate goals and reducing air pollution. While fossil fuels continue to play an integral role, transitioning more robustly to low-carbon sources is crucial for sustainable development.

Fossil fuels currently generate more than half of all the electricity consumed globally due to significant existing infrastructure and economic dependencies. However, regions like Wyoming (72%), North Dakota (58%), West Virginia (93%), Bahrain (100%), and Mississippi (80%) rely heavily on fossil fuels for electricity, exemplifying its critical role in their energy mix. This reliance calls for a strategic pivot towards increasing the adoption of cleaner, low-carbon sources such as solar and nuclear, which offer a sustainable pathway to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and leverage abundant, naturally available energy resources.

The transition to low-carbon energy generation is already underway, with technologies like wind, solar, and nuclear actively reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing abundant energy without the adverse environmental impacts associated with fossil fuels. Among these, wind and solar are rapidly expanding due to dropping costs and technological advancements. Meanwhile, nuclear power stands as an essential part of the mix, offering reliable base-load power generation, which makes it indispensable for meeting continuous electricity demand. Promoting these clean energy sources is not only vital for ensuring energy security and diversification but is also integral to mitigating the impacts of climate change and extending the reach of sustainable electricity to all global regions.