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A recent report from an international research organization highlights a significant milestone in the global energy landscape: for the first time, the combined output from renewable energy sources and nuclear power has surpassed 40 percent of worldwide electricity demand.
This report, published by the energy think-tank Ember, reveals that renewable energy alone accounted for a remarkable 32 percent of global electricity production last year, while nuclear energy contributed an additional nine percent. Although there was a slight decrease in nuclear’s share from 9.1 percent in 2023, the overall electricity demand increased by four percent, largely driven by extreme heat and the growing use of data centers.
Solar energy has been experiencing exponential growth, currently doubling its output every three years on a global scale. Richard Black, the policy lead at Ember Energy, notes that while China is responsible for nearly half of this increase, other regions like California, Texas, Hungary, Spain, Chile, and Pakistan are also witnessing significant expansions in solar technology.
In light of rising concerns regarding energy security, particularly spurred by recent trade tensions fostered by U.S. tariffs, there may be further boosts in renewable energy demand this year. Euan Graham, an electricity and data analyst with Ember, indicated that nations are increasingly prioritizing their energy security, which can enhance the appeal of domestic renewable power sources like wind and solar.
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Tariff threats reopen clean energy, pipeline debates
As the fallout from tariffs continues, proponents argue that Canada should accelerate its transition to clean energy. Conversely, some see this moment as an opportunity to enhance pipeline infrastructure to better access non-U.S. oil markets.
The ongoing tariffs have led to volatility in energy and equity markets, igniting fears of a potential global recession. Graham mentioned that while the full impact of these tariffs on electricity demand remains uncertain, renewable sources might be positioned to benefit due to heightened security concerns.
The surge in renewable energy production—which encompasses wind, hydro, and solar—saw a substantial uptick in the global electricity mix for 2024, exceeding last year’s record of 30 percent, according to Ember’s Global Electricity Review. Bruce Douglas, CEO of the Global Renewables Alliance, noted that despite various geopolitical and economic challenges, the renewable sector managed to add 858 terawatt hours (TWh) of capacity in the last year—enough to cover the annual electricity needs of both the United Kingdom and France.
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Research indicates that if rooftops across the globe were fitted with solar panels, we could experience a cooling effect on the planet, potentially lowering global temperatures by up to 0.13°C.
AI, electrification, and heat waves heighten electricity demand
The report also highlighted that the surge in electricity consumption driven by artificial intelligence, data centers, electric vehicles, and heat pumps accounted for a 0.7 percent increase in global demand last year. Furthermore, extreme heat events in 2024 escalated electricity needs for cooling, contributing an additional 0.7 percent, or 208 TWh, to the total demand.
Despite the growth of renewables, last year also witnessed an increase in electricity generation from fossil fuels due to unprecedented heat waves affecting regions across the U.S., China, and India. Black noted that this rise in demand during peak heat periods was a significant factor driving up fossil fuel generation.
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Delhi recently recorded consecutive days of extreme temperatures reaching up to 52.9°C, prompting health advisories across several parts of India due to the severe heat.
Gas-fired plants represented 22 percent of global electricity production, showing little change from the previous year, while coal remained the dominant energy source, contributing 34 percent of the overall generation, down from 36 percent.
Canada’s renewable energy growth faces challenges
According to Nicole Dusyk, a senior policy advisor at the International Institute for Sustainable Development, Canada sources about 70 percent of its electricity from renewable resources. However, the growth rates for solar and wind energy in Canada lag behind the global average. Dusyk attributes this trend to the country’s abundant, inexpensive hydroelectric power, which has already established a relatively clean energy grid.
As electrification increases, she emphasizes the need for Canadian provinces to eliminate barriers to renewable energy development. “Wind and solar are the most affordable electricity sources, and increasing their share in our grids will ultimately reduce electricity costs for Canadians,” she concluded.
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www.cbc.ca