In brief
Ember’s latest findings indicate that clean energy sources accounted for over 40% of the world's electricity in 2024. Despite progress, soaring electricity demand has led to record carbon emissions, underscoring the challenges remaining in the transition to renewable energy.
A recent report by the think-tank Ember reveals a notable milestone in the energy sector: over 40% of the world's electricity was produced from clean energy sources in 2024. This marks the highest share since the 1940s. However, the report indicates that global carbon dioxide emissions have also surged to record levels, driven by rising temperatures and an increased demand for electricity.According to Ember, solar energy remains the fastest-growing source, with its electricity generation doubling every three years since 2012, while China's contribution has dominated overall solar growth. Phil Macdonald, managing director of Ember, emphasized the importance of recognizing key trends amidst fluctuating figures: the demand for fossil fuel-generated power has notably risen due to extreme temperatures in 2024, leading to concerns that similar spikes may not repeat in 2025.March 2025 was reported as the second hottest on record by the European Copernicus climate service, highlighting that climate-induced factors are influencing energy consumption patterns. Although clean energy’s contribution has seen remarkable growth with solar and wind power leading the charge, fossil fuels remain a significant player in the global energy market.In stark contrast to this growth, the report indicates a 4% rise in global electricity demand for 2024, attributed in part to increased air conditioning usage during the hotter months. This surge caused a corresponding 1.4% rise in fossil fuel generation, primarily from coal and gas, resulting in a historic high in carbon emissions at 14.6 billion tonnes.Asian economies, particularly India and China, are noted for their rapid expansion in fossil fuel usage to address burgeoning electricity needs. The report underscores the ongoing struggle to transition towards renewable energy in the face of escalating greenhouse gas emissions, which has yet to see a decline. While there are signs of progress in renewable energy adoption, the accompanying rise in demand suggests that clean energy alone may not suffice in mitigating climate change impacts without a more substantial reduction in fossil fuel use.
