Renewable energy growth versus fossil fuels still dominates global power
Renewable energy is spreading across the planet, yet progress remains uneven. A recent report highlights that efforts to move away from fossil fuels are not advancing quickly enough and, in some respects, show signs of moving away from the Paris Agreement’s goals.
Emissions from the energy sector reached record highs in 2022, with researchers from the Energy Institute, in collaboration with Kearney and KPMG, noting that the climate system experienced some of its most severe impacts to date. The study reports that CO2 emissions from energy use, industrial processes, gas burning and methane continued to rise, setting a new peak of 0.8 percent for the year 2022.
In practical terms, total primary energy consumption rose by roughly one percent in 2022 compared with 2021, and about three percent when compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
Fossil fuels still account for a large share of energy consumption, representing 82 percent despite noticeable growth in renewable energy deployment. Wind and solar power alone contributed about 12 percent of total electricity production, reflecting ongoing capacity expansions in those technologies. However, this share remains comparatively small next to the dominant fossil fuel contribution to the energy mix.
These trends occur alongside broader dynamics in transport fuel demand, which has been recovering to pre-pandemic levels. China, for its part, remains well below those thresholds as Covid restrictions persist.
Juliet Davenport, who leads the Energy Institute, warned that industry trajectories appear to be moving in the opposite direction of the Paris Agreement’s aims. The report emphasizes that 2022 saw some of the worst climate-related effects, including catastrophic floods in parts of South Asia, record heat waves in Europe and North America, and widespread disruption caused by extreme weather events. The authors stress the need to pivot toward energy solutions that align with the Paris goals and to recognize the urgent actions required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across sectors.
Even with continued growth in wind and solar within the electricity sector, global energy-related greenhouse gas emissions rose again. The analysis argues that a clear, coordinated shift is essential to meet the targets set by international climate accords and to secure a more stable energy future. In this context, the energy transition is framed as a decisive test of policy effectiveness, market signals, and investor confidence in cleaner technologies. The message is straightforward: accelerated action is required to turn around the current trajectory and to lower the carbon intensity of energy supply over time.
Road traffic remains a significant source of emissions, underscoring the need for multifaceted strategies that address both electricity generation and end-use sectors such as transport. The Paris Agreement of 2015 established a target for net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with the aim of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The report calls for a tighter alignment of energy policy with those targets, highlighting the urgency for practical measures that reduce emissions while maintaining energy security and affordability.
Richard Forrest, president of the Kearney Energy Transition Institute, reiterates the pressure on governments and industry to act decisively. He notes that rising greenhouse gas emissions require urgent actions to accelerate progress toward Paris-aligned goals. The report also points to a turbulent year ahead for energy security at the European political agenda, shaped by geopolitical events and shifting demand patterns in the post-pandemic world.
For readers seeking further context, the Energy Institute provides ongoing statistical analysis and performance reviews that help illuminate the landscape of energy transition efforts. This material serves as a reference point for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers tracking progress toward cleaner energy and lower emissions. Marked citations are drawn from the Energy Institute’s statistical reviews and companion analyses.
Note: This summary reflects findings from the cited energy transition research and does not disclose or disclose any private contact details. It emphasizes the ongoing need for data-driven action in order to accelerate the adoption of renewable technologies and strengthen resilience in energy systems.