With clean energy rapidly gaining traction, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has reiterated his call for countries to transition away from fossil fuels contributing to global warming. This renewed push follows the publication of two reports highlighting an unprecedented acceleration in the adoption of renewable energy.
For the first time, renewable sources have surpassed coal in electricity generation, according to a new analysis by Ember, a global think tank focused on clean energy. This substantial shift marks a critical moment, with the growth of solar and wind power exceeding the increase in global electricity demand during the first half of this year. Ember’s Senior Electricity Analyst, Małgorzata Wiatros-Motyka, described this development as “a crucial turning point,” indicating that clean energy is finally keeping pace with the growing demand for electricity.
In a separate report from the International Energy Agency (IEA), it was revealed that global renewable power capacity is on track to double by 2030, with an estimated increase of 4,600 gigawatts. This surge in capacity is largely driven by solar photovoltaic technology, which is expected to account for about 80% of this growth, with wind, hydro, bioenergy, and geothermal energy following suit.
In response to the positive news, Guterres proclaimed via Twitter that “the clean energy future is no longer a distant promise – it’s here,” urging the international community to capitalize on this historic opportunity to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable future for all.
These findings resonate with Guterres’ earlier remarks made at his Moment of Opportunity report in July and during last month’s Climate Summit as part of the lead-up to the COP30 conference in Brazil this November. Despite acknowledging the progress made in the energy transition, the UN chief stresses that more needs to be done to ensure that the shift is both rapid and equitable. He emphasized the importance of strengthening efforts to meet the ambitious goal set in the Paris Agreement to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
The unfolding narrative around renewable energy not only reflects an evolving energy landscape but highlights a collective global commitment towards climate action. With nations increasingly recognizing the economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy, there is an optimistic pathway towards a sustainable future, where the adoption of clean technologies leads to job creation, lower energy bills, and improved health outcomes through reduced air pollution. The momentum building around renewable energy showcases a hopeful shift towards ambitious climate objectives and a greener planet for future generations.