The growth of renewable energy sources has reached a significant milestone, providing a record 30% of global electricity last year. This trend is expected to accelerate in the coming year, according to data from the energy think-tank Ember. The group anticipates that the growth in clean power will surpass the overall rise in electricity demand, resulting in a 2% reduction in fossil fuel-derived generation in 2024.

Despite an increase in gas and coal generation last year, partly due to a drought-induced decline in hydropower, Ember predicts this trend will reverse this year. Dave Jones, Ember’s director of global insights, highlights that while the decline in power-sector emissions is inevitable, the speed at which emissions decrease will depend on the continued rapid expansion of renewable energy.

The rise in renewable energy, particularly solar power, has been substantial. This surge is largely driven by solar farms, with the cost of solar generation significantly decreasing as Chinese manufacturers increased their production and offered record-low prices. This affordability has made solar energy a pivotal component in the global shift towards cleaner power sources.