Clean Energy Powers 40% of World's Electricity

A recent report from the think-tank Ember has revealed a significant milestone in the global energy landscape: clean energy sources now account for over 40% of the world's electricity generation. This achievement marks the highest proportion since the 1940s, signaling a pivotal shift towards sustainable power production.

Solar power has emerged as the vanguard of this clean energy revolution, demonstrating unprecedented growth. The report indicates that solar electricity generation has doubled every three years since 2012, with China spearheading this expansion. More than half of the global increase in solar capacity occurred in China, while India achieved a remarkable feat by doubling its solar capacity between 2023 and 2024.

Despite these encouraging developments, the report also highlights persistent challenges. Global electricity demand continues to outstrip the growth of renewable energy sources, necessitating ongoing reliance on fossil fuels. This has resulted in record-high carbon dioxide emissions, exacerbated by increased energy consumption for cooling during exceptionally hot weather.

The report underscores the imperative for accelerated adoption of clean energy technologies to meet burgeoning global energy needs while simultaneously mitigating climate change impacts. As nations grapple with the dual challenges of energy security and environmental sustainability, the transition to clean energy sources remains a critical priority on the global agenda.