Transitioning to sustainable energy sources is essential in addressing the climate crisis. In the coming years, decarbonizing the energy system hinges on renewables—clear, practical options for the medium term. The share of green power is rising rapidly amid the energy crisis, yet it remains a small slice compared with the long-standing dominance of coal and natural gas in electricity generation.
Across the globe, wind and solar farms produced a record 12.1% of all electricity last year. This marks a rise from 10.3% in 2021, based on a report by Ember, a think tank focused on energy issues. Wind energy grew from 6.6% to 7.6% of world electricity production, totaling 2,160 terawatt hours (TWh). Solar energy rose from 3.7% to 4.5%, with around 2,009 TWh generated—both figures reflecting all-time highs in growth and deployment.
Almost 40% lightweight, CO2 free
The fourth edition of the Global Electricity Review, led by the Ember team with data from 78 countries, covers about 93% of global electricity demand. Solar energy once again led in growth, increasing by 24% for the year, followed by wind energy, which expanded by 17% in production. When looking at the combined emissions from all non-CO2 emitting sources—wind, solar, nuclear, and hydroelectric—the global share rose to a record 39% of electricity production last year. Hydroelectric power sustained a 15% share, while nuclear dropped slightly to 9.2% from 9.9% in 2021.
Record emissions
Despite the expansion of renewable energy, coal and gas continue to dominate global electricity generation. Coal plants accounted for 36% of all electricity last year, increasing to 10,186 TWh. Gas-fired plants held 22% of the global mix, totaling 6,336 TWh, with generation stabilizing around a 0% to negative 0.2% change.
Global electricity demand rose by about 2.4%, and the continued strength of coal and gas as main generation sources pushed overall CO2 emissions from the electricity sector to a new high of 12.431 billion tons. In 2021, emissions surged by about 7% amid a rebound in economic activity following pandemic disruptions.
The decline of fossil fuels?
The gap remains wide between green power and the fossil-dominated generation mix, but Ember forecasts a turning point this year toward a future powered more by clean energy. The report’s lead author states that an era of clean energy is entering the stage as fossil fuel use slows down. Analysts note that this year could mark the end of rapid fossil growth, with fossil production expected to dip in 2023 and continue declining in the following years as wind and solar deployment accelerates. The overarching view is that clean energy must meet all growth in global electricity demand, signaling a shift on the horizon.