In its latest annual report on the electricity market, the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts a transformative shift. Renewables, particularly solar panels, are poised to surpass coal as the top source of energy for electricity production globally by 2025.
Renewable Share to Reach 37% in 2026
The IEA projects a significant rise in renewables’ share of total electricity production, surging from 30% in the previous year to an estimated 37% by 2026. Solar energy, in particular, is expected to play a pivotal role in this transition.
Low-Emission Sources Dominating the Global Electricity Landscape
With the inclusion of nuclear power, the IEA anticipates that almost half of the world’s electricity will be generated by low-emission sources by 2026. This marks a notable increase from just under 40% in 2023. The report highlights the significant growth in renewables, outpacing the rising demand for electricity in industrialized countries, aligning with efforts for carbon neutrality.
Structural Decline in Coal Expected, Nuclear Power on the Rise
While China remains a key player in coal production, the IEA foresees a gradual decline in coal use globally. The report suggests a 1.7% annual drop in electricity produced from coal through 2026, following a 1.6% increase in the previous year. Simultaneously, electricity from natural gas is expected to grow by approximately 1% annually.
The IEA’s optimistic outlook extends to nuclear power, projecting a record level in 2021 to be matched next year. Factors such as reactor repairs in France and the commissioning of new reactors in China, India, Japan, and South Korea contribute to this positive trend. The IEA’s Executive Director, Fatih Birol, emphasizes the significance of renewables and nuclear power in offsetting the rise in global electricity demand over the next three years, contributing to a greener and more sustainable energy landscape.
Source：thejakartapost.com
