Stockholm (NordSIP) – Renewable energy sources were behind almost one third of the world’s electricity consumption in 2023, according to a new report from climate and energy thinktank Ember. While this helped drive down overall carbon intensity, clean energy sources were unable to keep pace with rising overall demand, which meant that the energy sector’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions continued to rise.
Wind and solar were the main drivers of the growth in renewables. Unfortunately, a fall in hydropower generation created a demand gap that was filled by fossil fuel sources. China was behind the boost to renewables, with the country accounting for 51% of the additional global solar generation and 60% of new global wind generation in 2023. The European Union (EU) nations contributed a further 24% wind energy and 12% more solar generation. The Brazil and the United States (US) also figure in the leading group, with China, the EU, US, and Brazil behind 81% of the growth in global solar energy.
Solar energy contributed twice as much new energy generation worldwide as coal over the study period and was the fastest growing technology in the sector for the 19th consecutive year. Nevertheless, it still only accounts for 5.5% of the global energy mix, with wind generations till marginally ahead at 7.8%. The latter technology grew slower than anticipated during 2023. The US experienced a fall in wind energy output for the first time in 23 years, due in part to adverse weather conditions and a slow down in investment. Additional funding from the Inflation Reduction Act is expected to provide a boost over the next period that should put US renewables growth back on track.
Share of global electricity generation from renewable sources (%)
The growth in the share of renewables in 2023 could have been even greater had weather conditions been more favourable. China experienced lower than average sunlight levels during the past year, and droughts in Asia and North America hindered hydro power operations. Hydropower remains the largest global source of clean energy, but its overall power generation fell to a five-year low in 2023.
Nuclear power’s contribution to global power generation remained static at just over 9%. France was a leading contributor, with a further boost from Japan as it restarted sections of its nuclear capability. Finland, the US, and China’s new reactors helped to counteract the shutdown of facilities in Belgium and Germany.
Electricity demand is falling in the US and the EU, in the latter case due to milder weather coupled with an economic downturn. Energy saving measures are also taking effect in these markets. Nevertheless, enormous energy demand in China, and to a lesser extent in India are driving the global growth in energy consumption. 82% of this global growth in energy demand was met by wind and solar sources, which helped maintain lower overall carbon intensity.
