Despite global efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, coal generation continues to rise, according to recent reports.

 

By Marion Rae

 

April 11 2023

Synopsis

Australia generated a quarter of its electricity from wind and solar in 2022, more than double the global average, according to a report by energy think tank Ember. The report also found that last year's global rise in solar generation was enough to have met the annual electricity demand of Australia. While the report shows wind and solar accelerating globally, global coal-fired generation rose by 1.1%, and coal power remained the single largest source of electricity, producing over a third (36%) of global electricity in 2022. The electricity sector is the biggest greenhouse gas emitter and must decarbonize to meet international net zero goals.

Australia has been leading the way in clean energy generation, with a quarter of its electricity coming from solar and wind in 2022, more than double the global average, according to a report by independent energy think tank Ember. The report also showed that wind and solar energy are accelerating worldwide, with last year's global rise in solar generation enough to have met the annual electricity demand of Australia.

 

Despite the promising rise of renewable energy, the report found that global coal-fired generation was still on the rise, while wind and solar surged. The electricity sector, both in Australia and worldwide, is the biggest greenhouse gas emitter and must decarbonize if international net zero goals are to be met.

 

A cleaner power supply is also expected to trigger the electrification of big polluters in heavy industry and transport. While fossil fuels are still providing the backbone of the electricity system in many large economies, the carbon intensity fell to a record low in 2022 due to record growth in wind and solar, which counted for 12% of the global electricity mix.

 

Solar generation rose by almost a quarter (24%), making it the fastest-growing electricity source for 18 years in a row, while wind generation grew by 17%. Gas power generation eased 0.2% in 2022, falling for the second time in three years as high gas prices continue

Source: www.canberratimes.com.au

 

 

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