Solar and wind drive renewables past 30% of global power - Ember

Renewables for the first time provided more than 30% of global electricity in 2023, an expansion from 19% in 2000, a report by energy think-tank Ember showed today.

This growth is being driven by the rising share of solar and wind, which was up to a record 13.4% in 2023 from 0.2% in 2000.

Together with nuclear, low-carbon sources accounted for almost 40% of global electricity last year. The carbon dioxide (CO2) intensity of global power generation therefore reached a new low, but a decline in hydropower prevented a fall in emissions. Because of drought conditions, hydropower generation declined to a five-year low, causing a shortfall that was met by coal, resulting in a 1% increase in global power sector emissions.

Global electricity demand rose by 2.2%, or 627 TWh, in 2023. In 2024, demand growth is expected to be 968 TWh and to be more than met by clean generation growth, forecast at 1,300 TWh. This will lead to a fall in global fossil generation of 2%, or 333 TWh.

“The renewables future has arrived. Solar in particular is accelerating faster than anyone thought possible,” said Dave Jones Global Insights Programme Director, Ember.

“The decline of power sector emissions is now inevitable. 2023 was likely the pivot point – peak emissions in the power sector – a major turning point in the history of energy. But the pace of emissions falls depends on how fast the renewables revolution continues,” he added.

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