59% of global electricity is generated from Fossil

Fossil fuels, which include coal, oil, and natural gas, have been a primary source of energy for decades. These resources are formed from the ancient remains of plants and animals, buried and compressed under layers of earth over millions of years. As non-renewable energy sources, fossil fuels are finite and take millions of years to form. Despite their non-renewable nature, they have been extensively used due to their abundance and the established infrastructure for their extraction, processing, and transportation.

In power generation, fossil fuels are combusted in power plants to produce electricity. The combustion process heats water in a boiler, converting it into steam. This steam then drives turbines connected to generators, which produce electricity. The efficiency and scale of fossil fuel power plants have made them a dominant force in the electricity sector. However, this process also leads to significant carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, contributing to climate change. The average carbon intensity of fossil fuels ranges from 490 to 820 g CO2eq/kWh, which is considerably higher compared to low-carbon alternatives like wind (11 g CO2eq/kWh), solar (45 g CO2eq/kWh), and nuclear (12 g CO2eq/kWh).

One advantage of fossil fuels is their significant contribution to global electricity generation. Over half of the world's electricity consumption, around 59%, comes from fossil sources. This dependency highlights the established infrastructure and extensive reach of fossil-fuel-based power in meeting electricity demands. In certain regions, such as Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Brunei, fossil fuels account for 100% of electricity generation. Even in Saudi Arabia, 99% of electricity is produced from fossil fuels. These examples illustrate the crucial role fossil fuels play in certain economies, providing a reliable and continuous energy supply.

In contrast, low-carbon technologies like wind, solar, and nuclear energy offer promising advantages in terms of sustainability and climate impact. The carbon intensities of these technologies are substantially lower compared to fossil fuels, with wind and nuclear energy offering some of the lowest emissions among energy sources. Investing in and expanding these clean energy technologies provides an opportunity to significantly reduce CO2 emissions associated with electricity generation, contributing to global climate goals and fostering a sustainable energy future. The transition to low-carbon energy sources primes nations to shift towards a resilient and environmentally responsible electricity system.