Solar and Wind Energy Production On the Rise

An annual review from Ember, an independent think tank, published on 30 March 2022, shows that wind and solar energy are the fastest-growing sources of electricity. It has reached up to 10% of the global power share for the first time in 2021.

Solar generation rose to 23% and wind by 14% last year, yielding more than 10% of global electricity generation. All clean power sources reached 38%, more than coal generation at 36%.

Countries exhibiting the fastest growth in renewable are the Netherlands, Australia, and Vietnam, shifting around 10% of their electricity demands from fossil fuels to solar and wind in the last two years, the report says.

But more must be done to keep global warming within 1.5°C. Wind and solar need to grow by 20% each year until 2030. 

However, amid the boost in renewable production, coal demand also has risen considerably. The report notes a new coal record set throughout Asia in 2021 in countries such as China, India, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Philippines, and Indonesia.

Even countries like the United States, the EU, and Japan have also seen a strong rebound in their demands for coal in 2021.

As the cost of renewables is steadily decreasing and the world is becoming better at integrating them into the grids, expanding renewable energy has never been more feasible. 

According to the report, there are now 50 countries worldwide that have exceeded 10% renewable energy production, with three other countries generating over 40%.

The climate crisis is driving more robust policies and climate goals contributing to the strong growth of renewable energy.

Countries like the United States, Germany, Canada, and the UK aim to have a 100% renewable electricity grid in the next 15 years. As electricity demands continue to rise, countries with coal-intensive grids need to have the same “boldness and ambition” as the above countries, the report states.

Read the entire report by clicking the link provided in the “Source” below: