Renewable Energy Takes Over 30% of World’s Electricity for First Time: A Milestone in the Shift Towards Clean Energy

Last year, renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power generated more than 30% of the world’s electricity for the first time. This marks a significant milestone in the shift towards clean electricity, as outlined in a report on the global power system. Despite a rise in overall electricity demand, the report suggests that the world is making progress in reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.

According to a study by climate thinktank Ember, clean electricity has helped slow the growth in fossil fuels by nearly two-thirds over the past decade. Renewables have steadily increased their share of global electricity generation, growing from 19% in 2000 to over 30% last year. Solar power has exceeded expectations, driving much of this growth and accelerating renewable energy adoption.

Ember’s findings show that solar energy was a key driver of electricity growth in 2023, adding more new generation capacity than coal. Solar has been the fastest-growing source of electricity for 19 years in a row and surpassed wind power as the largest source of new electricity. The report covers data from 80 countries representing 92% of global electricity demand, with historic data from 215 countries.

While the surge in clean electricity is expected to lead to a small decrease in global fossil fuel generation, it’s important to note that fossil fuels still play a significant role in global energy consumption. A separate study by the Energy Institute found that fossil fuels accounted for 82% of the world’s primary energy sources last year. However, world leaders are committed to increasing renewable energy to