The share of renewable energy sources in global electricity generation exceeded 30% for the first time in 2023, according to a report by London-based energy think tank Ember on Wednesday.
Türkiye outpaced the global average by generating 42% of its electricity from clean sources, the report entitled The Global Electricity Review found.
According to the report, “the rapid growth in solar and wind has brought the world to a crucial turning point—likely this year—where fossil generation starts to decline at a global level.”
The report provides an overview of the global power system, covering 80 countries that represent 92% of global electricity demand.
The world's electricity demand reached a record high of 29.5 terawatt-hours last year, according to the report.
Renewables have expanded from 19% to more than 30% of global electricity since 2000, driven by an increase in solar and wind from 0.2% in 2000 to a record 13.4% in 2023.
According to Ember, solar was the main source of electricity growth, adding more than twice as much new electricity generation as coal in 2023.
The research highlighted that solar overtook wind as the greatest source of new electricity for the second year in a row, continuing its trend of being the fastest-growing electricity source for the nineteenth consecutive year.
Despite record growth in renewables, 2023 saw hydropower generation hit a five-year low due to droughts in China and elsewhere, limiting its full potential.
The report revealed that in 2023, 95% of the coal generation rise occurred in four countries that were severely affected by droughts: China, India, Vietnam and Mexico.
-Türkiye aims for 47% electricity from renewables by 2030
In Türkiye, while solar and wind power accounted for 6% and 10% of the country's electricity generation, respectively, hydroelectricity remained the largest renewable electricity source at 20%. Last year, 58% of the country’s electricity was generated from fossil fuels.
According to Ember, Türkiye’s electricity generation potential from renewable energy is quite high, along with its target to meet 47% of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030.
Commenting on the report, Dave Jones, Ember’s director of global insights, said the future of renewables has arrived with solar, in particular, accelerating faster than anyone thought possible.
“The decline of power sector emissions is now inevitable,” he added. “2023 was likely the pivot point—peak emissions in the power sector—a major turning point in the history of energy. But the pace of emissions falls depends on how fast the renewables revolution continues.”
Key players such as the EU, with their policies, incentives and adaptable solutions should keep driving the full potential of solar and wind to sustain this progress, Jones said.
“Expanding clean electricity not only helps to decarbonize the power sector,” said Jones. “It also provides the step-up in supply needed to electrify the economy; and that’s the real game-changer for the climate.”
Reporting by Nuran Erkul Kaya
Writing by Handan Kazanci
Anadolu Agency
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