More than 40 percent of the world's electricity was generated without burning fossil fuels in 2024, according toa new report from think-tank Ember. But carbon dioxide emissions, which warm the planet, have risen to an all time high, the report says, with hot weather pushing up the overall demand for power. That meant an increase in the use of fossil fuel burning power stations. Solar power continues to be the fastest-growing energy source, with the amount of electricity it generates doubling in the last three years. "Solar power has become the engine of the global energy transition," said Phil Macdonald, the managing director of Ember. "Amid the noise, it's essential to focus on the real signal. Hotter weather drove the fossil generation increase in 2024, but we're very unlikely to see a similar jump in 2025." In a separate report, the European Copernicus climate service said March 2025 was the second hottest on record, extending a spell of record or near record breaking temperatures. Ember is a global energy think tank which has beenpredicting for several yearsthat emissions of the climate warming gas carbon dioxide were about to start falling. But this hasn't happened yet due to increasing global demand for electricity. Cheap and relatively easy to install, for the twentieth year in a row solar is the fastest growing electricity source. According to Ember, the amount generated by solar panels has doubled every three years since 2012. China continues to dominate the growth of solar with more than half of the increase taking place there. India's solar capacity doubled between 2023 and 2024. Though it is growing fast, solar remains a relatively small part of the global energy mix contributing just under 7% of global supply – that's the same as powering the entire country of India. Wind contributes just over 8%, with hydropower contributing 14% making it the largest source of clean energy. Both hydro-electric and nuclear power (9%) are growing much more slowly than wind and solar. The report says that clean energy sources contributed more than 40% of global electricity generation for the first time since the 1940s. Back then demand was much lower, and hydroelectric power stations contributed a significant share. The big picture is that the rise in the global demand for electricity continues to outpace the growth in renewable energy. That means that though the percentage generated by clean power has risen to 40.9% the amount of greenhouse gases being emitted has yet to start falling. According to the Ember report global demand for electricity rose by 4% in 2024. This was partly due to an increased use of air conditioning in what was a particularly hot year. That meant that fossil fuel generation, mostly coal (34%) and gas (22%), increased by 1.4% and global emissions of the climate warming gas CO2 rose to an all time high of 14.6bn tonnes. In the last five years, fast-growing Asian economies, in particular India and China, have continued expanding their use of fossil fuels to meet rapidly rising demand for electricity.
Clean energy's share of world's electricity reaches 40%, report says
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Clean Energy Accounts for Over 40% of Global Electricity Generation in 2024"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
In 2024, over 40 percent of the world's electricity was generated from clean energy sources, according to a report from the think-tank Ember. This marks a significant milestone, as it is the highest share of clean energy in global electricity generation since the 1940s. However, the report also highlighted a troubling trend: global carbon dioxide emissions reached an all-time high, driven by increased electricity demand due to exceptionally hot weather. As a result, fossil fuel power stations saw a rise in usage, with coal and gas contributing significantly to the emissions increase. Phil Macdonald, managing director of Ember, emphasized the importance of recognizing solar power as a key player in the energy transition, noting that its output has doubled every three years since 2012. Despite this rapid growth, solar energy still accounts for less than 7 percent of the global energy mix, underscoring the continued reliance on fossil fuels in the face of rising demand for electricity, particularly in fast-growing economies like China and India.
The report also revealed that the global demand for electricity rose by 4 percent in 2024, partly due to increased air conditioning use during a particularly hot year. This surge in demand has outpaced the growth of renewable energy sources, leading to a 1.4 percent increase in fossil fuel generation. While wind and solar energy are expanding rapidly, with wind contributing just over 8 percent and hydropower 14 percent to the global energy supply, the overall contribution of clean energy remains overshadowed by fossil fuels. The report indicates that although clean energy's share reached 40.9 percent, greenhouse gas emissions have not yet begun to decline. As countries like India and China continue to expand their fossil fuel usage to meet electricity demands, the challenge remains to balance this growth with the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and accelerate the transition to sustainable energy sources.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The report highlights a significant shift in global electricity generation, noting that over 40% now comes from clean energy sources. Despite this progress, carbon dioxide emissions have surged to unprecedented levels. The juxtaposition of clean energy growth with rising emissions raises critical questions about the effectiveness of current energy policies and climate strategies. This analysis will explore the underlying motives of the report, the implications for public perception, and the potential impacts on various sectors.
Implications of Clean Energy Growth
The report emphasizes the remarkable growth of solar power, which has doubled its output in three years. This narrative aims to showcase the potential of renewable energy and encourage investment and innovation in this sector. By highlighting solar energy's dominance and its role in the global energy transition, the report seeks to inspire confidence in clean energy solutions. However, the mention of rising fossil fuel usage due to increased demand driven by hot weather complicates this optimistic picture.
Public Perception and Messaging
The article appears to craft a narrative that encourages optimism about renewable energy while simultaneously addressing the challenges posed by climate change. It suggests that while fossil fuel usage increased due to extreme weather conditions, this trend may not continue. This messaging aims to alleviate concerns about the stability of the transition to clean energy, potentially rallying public support for ongoing investments in renewables.
Potential Omissions and Transparency
While the report provides valuable insights into energy trends, it may downplay the systemic issues contributing to rising emissions. By focusing primarily on energy generation statistics, the report risks obscuring the complexities of energy consumption patterns and the socio-economic factors influencing electricity demand. Such omissions could lead to a lack of comprehensive understanding among the public regarding the challenges of achieving true sustainability.
Connections to Broader Trends
Comparing this report to others in the energy sector reveals a broader narrative focusing on the urgency of climate action. Reports from different organizations often emphasize the need for rapid transitions to clean energy, highlighting the interplay between technology, policy, and consumer behavior. This interconnectedness underscores the importance of coordinated efforts across various sectors to achieve climate goals.
Market Reactions and Economic Implications
The news relating to clean energy's growth could influence stock markets, especially for companies heavily invested in solar and renewable technologies. Investors may view this report as an indication of the future viability of clean energy, potentially driving stock prices for companies in this sector. Conversely, fossil fuel companies might face increased scrutiny and declining valuations as the public and investors become more climate-conscious.
Global Power Dynamics and Relevance
The report’s focus on renewable energy trends aligns with current global discussions about energy security and climate resilience. As nations strive to meet climate commitments, the emphasis on clean energy sources may shift geopolitical dynamics, particularly in regions reliant on fossil fuels. This could lead to new alliances and tensions as countries navigate the transition to a low-carbon economy.
AI Influence in Reporting
The structured presentation of data and insights may suggest the use of AI tools in drafting the report, particularly in data analysis and trend forecasting. AI models could assist in synthesizing vast amounts of information to create coherent narratives. However, any bias introduced through AI algorithms could influence the report's framing, potentially emphasizing certain aspects of the energy transition over others.
In conclusion, while the report presents a generally positive outlook on the growth of clean energy, it also prompts critical reflections on the complexities of achieving sustainable energy solutions amid rising emissions. The reliability of the information hinges on the transparency of the analysis and the comprehensiveness of the data presented.