Power-sector CO2 hits all-time high in 2024 despite record growth in renewables
a year ago
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- Global power-sector CO2 emissions hit a record high of 14.6 billion tonnes in 2024, up 1.6% year-on-year.
- Electricity demand grew by 4% worldwide, driven by hotter temperatures, leading to increased coal (1.4%) and gas (1.6%) generation.
- Clean electricity generation grew by a record 927 TWh, covering 96% of non-temperature-related demand growth.
- Low-carbon energy sources (renewables and nuclear) provided 40.9% of global electricity in 2024, surpassing 40% for the first time since the 1940s.
- Solar power dominated growth, adding 474 TWh (up 29% from 2023), meeting 40% of global electricity demand growth and avoiding 1,658 MtCO2 emissions.
- Non-OECD economies accounted for 58% of global solar generation, with China alone contributing 39%.
- Wind generation grew by 182 TWh (7.9%), though some regions saw reduced growth due to lower wind speeds.
- Coal and gas generation shares fell to 34.4% and 22%, respectively, despite absolute increases.
- Heatwaves in India and China significantly drove fossil-fuel use, but clean energy met 81% of China's demand growth.
- Solar and wind capacity expansions are expected to grow rapidly (21% and 13% annually, respectively), signaling a nearing tipping point in the energy transition.