In a historic shift for the global energy landscape, wind and solar power added more new energy to the world’s mix in 2023 than any other source. This groundbreaking revelation comes from a Carbon Brief analysis of new data, highlighting the growing prominence of renewable energy.
Key Highlights from the Report
- Record Global Energy Demand: Global energy demand reached a new high of 620 exajoules (EJ) in 2023, growing by 2.0% compared to the annual average of 1.5% over the past decade.
- Wind and Solar Lead: Wind and solar combined to add 4.9EJ of new energy, accounting for 40% of the overall increase in global energy demand.
- Rise in Fossil Fuels: Despite the growth in renewables, coal and oil usage also hit record highs, contributing significantly to global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
Let’s dive deeper into these findings and what they mean for the future of our planet.
Wind and Solar Take the Lead
In 2023, wind and solar energy added a combined 4.9EJ to the global energy mix. This accounted for 40% of the total increase in energy demand, surpassing oil (4.8EJ, 39%) and coal (2.5EJ, 20%).
- First in History: This is the first time that renewable energy sources like wind and solar have outpaced fossil fuels in terms of new energy added.
- Rapid Growth: Over the past decade, wind and solar have grown by an average of 17% per year, expanding from 8EJ in 2013 to 37EJ in 2023.
Fossil Fuels Still Dominant
Despite the strides made by renewables, fossil fuels continue to dominate the global energy landscape.
- Coal and Oil Records: Coal usage grew by 1.6%, reaching a record high of 164EJ, while oil usage increased by 2.5% to 196EJ.
- Flat Gas Demand: Global energy use from gas remained unchanged at 144EJ, marking two years of flat growth.
CO2 Emissions Reach New Heights
The increased reliance on coal and oil has pushed global CO2 emissions to a new record in 2023.
- 40 Billion Tonnes: Emissions from fossil fuels, industrial processes, methane, and flaring exceeded 40 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent for the first time.
- Regional Differences: China’s emissions grew by 6%, contributing to 85% of the global increase. In contrast, emissions in the US and EU decreased by 2.7% and 6.6%, respectively.
Global Energy Mix in Flux
The data paints a complex picture of the global energy transition:
- Low-Carbon Energy: Low-carbon sources, including nuclear and renewables, now make up 39% of global electricity supplies.
- Coal Power Dominance: Despite the growth in renewables, coal remains the largest single source of electricity, accounting for 35% of the mix.
Looking Ahead
The future of global energy and emissions hinges on several key factors:
- China’s Emissions: Whether China’s emissions have peaked will be crucial in determining global trends.
- Renewable Expansion: Continued rapid expansion of wind and solar, combined with a recovery in hydropower, could lead to a decline in fossil fuel usage.
Conclusion
2023 marked a pivotal year in the global energy landscape, with wind and solar taking center stage. However, the continued rise in fossil fuel use and CO2 emissions underscores the urgency of accelerating the transition to renewable energy. The coming years will be critical in determining whether the world can meet its climate goals and mitigate the impacts of global warming.
