'Unstoppable force' of solar power propels world to 40% clean electricity
a year ago
- #solar power
- #renewable energy
- #climate change
- Clean power provided 40% of the world's electricity in 2024, a first since the 1940s.
- Solar power doubled in three years, contributing 7% of global electricity, while wind and nuclear provided 8% and 9%, respectively.
- Hydropower remains the largest renewable source at 14% of global electricity.
- China led in new solar electricity production, contributing over half of the global total, despite also building new coal plants.
- Fossil fuel electricity generation increased by 1.4% due to rising demand from air conditioning, AI, and electric vehicles.
- Ember forecasts that clean power growth will soon outpace demand, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.