Renewable energy sources accounted for more than 30% of the world's electricity for the first time in history last year, fueling optimism about the future of clean energy. The impressive rise in wind and solar power is highlighted in a report on the global power system, which suggests that the world may be edging closer to reducing fossil fuel generation, even as overall electricity demand continues to grow.

The report, compiled by climate thinktank Ember, reveals that clean electricity has played a significant role in slowing the growth of fossil fuel usage by nearly two-thirds over the past decade. According to the study, renewables have experienced remarkable growth, increasing from 19% of global electricity in 2000 to over 30% in 2023.

Ember's director of global insights, Dave Jones, commented on the findings, stating, "The renewables future has arrived. Solar, in particular, is accelerating faster than anyone thought possible." The report shows that solar power was the primary contributor to the expansion of electricity generation, surpassing coal by adding more than twice as much new electricity capacity in 2023. Solar power has become the fastest-growing source of electricity for the 19th consecutive year and took the top spot as the largest source of new electricity for the second year in a row, overtaking wind power.

The comprehensive review of global electricity data, which includes 80 countries representing 92% of electricity demand and historic data from 215 countries, highlights the global surge in clean electricity. Ember projects that this trend will lead to a 2% decline in global fossil fuel generation in the coming year.

Jones views this as a significant milestone, stating, "The decline of power sector emissions is now inevitable. 2023 was likely the pivot point - peak emissions in the power sector - a major turning point in the history of energy. But the pace of emissions falls depends on how fast the renewables revolution continues."

While renewable energy has made impressive strides in the electricity sector, fossil fuel usage still plays a prominent role in global energy, especially in transportation, heavy industry, and heating. According to a separate study by the Energy Institute, fossil fuels, including oil, gas, and coal, accounted for 82% of the world's primary energy consumption last year.

In line with the urgency to combat climate change, world leaders have agreed on a collective goal to increase renewables' share to 60% of global electricity by 2030. This ambitious target, set at the UN's Cop28 climate change conference in December, will require countries to triple their current renewable electricity capacity within the next six years, effectively halving power sector emissions.

The remarkable progress made in renewable energy's contribution to global electricity generation is encouraging news for the fight against climate change. While there is still work to be done to reduce overall reliance on fossil fuels, the acceleration in renewable energy adoption signifies a potential shift towards a more sustainable and cleaner future.