As solar power powers over 40% of global electricity for the first time since the 1940s, a new era of sustainable energy is dawning on the world. By 2024, the electrical grid is set to undergo a transformative shift towards cleaner, greener futures.
The world has reached a significant milestone in its transition to clean energy, with solar power powering over 40% of global electricity for the first time since the 1940s. According to a report by Ember, a leading energy thinktank, this milestone is largely attributed to the rapid growth of solar farms, which have doubled in capacity over the last three years.
Solar power is generated from sunlight using photovoltaic (PV) cells or solar panels.
These cells convert light into electricity through a process known as the photovoltaic effect.
The most common type of PV cell is made from silicon, which is abundant and non-toxic.
Solar energy has become increasingly popular due to its sustainability and zero greenhouse gas emissions.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), solar power can meet 27% of global electricity demand by 2050.
The Rise of Solar Power
Solar power has been the fastest-growing source of energy for the last 20 consecutive years, with its share of global electricity increasing from almost 3% in 2004 to almost 7% last year. While still a relatively small part of the global energy system, solar power is becoming increasingly important in meeting the world’s growing demand for electricity.
Despite this growth, hydro power remains the largest source of renewable energy, accounting for 14% of global electricity generation. This is not surprising, given that hydro power has been one of the oldest and most established forms of renewable energy, with a long history dating back to the early ’20th century’.
A Bright Future Ahead
The report by Ember suggests that clean power sources are on track to expand faster than the world’s overall electricity demand, which could mark the beginning of the end for fossil fuels in the global power system. As the use of renewable energy continues to grow, it is likely that we will see significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and a major shift towards a more sustainable energy future.
Greenhouse gas emissions are the release of gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming.
The main contributors include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O).
Human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture contribute significantly to these emissions.
According to the IPCC, greenhouse gas emissions have increased by 42% since the Industrial Revolution, with CO2 levels rising from 280 parts per million to over 415 parts per million today.
The Role of Emerging Technologies
Emerging technologies such as ‘artificial intelligence‘ , datacentres, electric vehicles, and heat pumps are also expected to play a bigger role in the world’s appetite for electricity. According to Ember, these technologies accounted for a 0.7% increase in global electricity demand in 2024, double what they contributed five years ago.
While heatwaves may have caused a surge in electricity demand in recent years, it is unlikely that this trend will repeat itself in the near future. Instead, it is the growing use of these emerging technologies that will drive the world’s appetite for electricity.
Emerging technologies refer to innovative and rapidly evolving fields that are transforming industries and societies worldwide.
Examples include artificial intelligence, blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), and virtual reality.
These technologies have the potential to improve lives, increase efficiency, and drive economic growth.
According to a report by Gartner, by 2025, 75% of organizations will be using AI in some form, while blockchain adoption is expected to reach $3.1 billion by 2027.
- theguardian.com | Global Electricity Mix Shifts Towards Cleaner Energy Sources by 2024
