59% of global electricity is generated from Fossil

Fossil fuels are the remnants of ancient plants and animals that have decomposed over millions of years, resulting in significant reserves of coal, oil, and natural gas. These fuels are extracted from the earth and burned to release energy, which is harnessed to create electricity. Despite their ancient origins, fossil fuels remain a dominant energy source globally, providing a substantial portion of the electricity used today. However, the process of burning fossil fuels releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change and air pollution.

The process of generating electricity from fossil fuels involves burning the fuel to produce heat. This heat is used to convert water into steam, which then drives a turbine connected to an electricity generator. The rapid spinning of the turbine generates electricity, which is then transmitted through power lines to homes and businesses. While this method has been reliable and efficient for more than a century, it also results in high carbon emissions, with coal being the most carbon-intensive fuel at 820 gCO2eq/kWh, followed by oil and gas at 650 and 490 gCO2eq/kWh, respectively.

In discussing cleaner energy alternatives, it's essential to consider their significantly lower carbon intensity. Wind energy, for instance, boasts an impressively low carbon intensity of just 11 gCO2eq/kWh. This highlights the substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions achievable with this form of energy compared to fossil fuels, promoting a cleaner, more sustainable future. Similarly, solar energy, with a carbon intensity of 45 gCO2eq/kWh, is another crucial component of low-carbon energy strategies, offering substantial reductions in carbon emissions.

Nuclear energy stands out with an average carbon intensity of only 12 gCO2eq/kWh, underscoring its potential as a major player in the shift toward low-carbon energy. Expanding nuclear energy offers a reliable power source with minimal greenhouse emissions, playing a pivotal role in achieving energy security and significantly mitigating the impacts of climate change. The interplay of wind, solar, and nuclear energy technologies creates a balanced and sustainable energy mix critical for a future less dependent on fossil fuels.

Despite the high carbon emissions from fossil fuels, they currently generate about 59% of global electricity. In some regions, such as Bahrain, Qatar, and Brunei, reliance on fossil fuels is near absolute, with close to 100% of their electricity generated from these sources. This dependency underscores the need for a global transition to clean energy sources, critically increasing the uptake of wind, solar, and nuclear power in the diversification of energy portfolios. The advantages of adopting low-carbon technologies are clear, providing cleaner air, reducing carbon footprints, and fostering sustainable, green growth across countries and economies.