Summary
New data from Ember shows that renewable energy, including nuclear power, has overtaken coal as the world's leading source of electricity for the first half of this year. While solar and wind power met all new electricity demands globally, the use of coal and gas differs by region, with developing countries leading in clean energy growth and some richer nations still relying more on fossil fuels.
Key Facts
- Renewable energy, along with nuclear power, has surpassed coal in electricity generation globally in the first half of this year.
- Solar and wind energy met all the new electricity demand globally, reducing the need for coal and gas.
- Developing countries, especially China, are advancing in clean energy, with China adding more solar and wind capacity than combined contributions from the rest of the world.
- In rich countries like the US and the EU, reliance on fossil fuels for electricity grew due to higher demand and less favorable conditions for renewables.
- Solar energy prices have dropped significantly, making solar power a major source of new electricity in many low-income countries.
- Solar panel imports in Pakistan and several African countries have surged, indicating rapid adoption of solar power.
- Rapid solar growth in some areas, such as Afghanistan, is causing environmental concerns, like lowering water tables.
- Solar and wind growth trends differ significantly between sun belt and wind belt regions, affecting local energy strategies.
