Wind, solar generation share hits 12% in 2022

Renewables and nuclear account for 39% of global electricity generation.

The share of wind and solar power in the global electricity mix increased to 12% in 2022 from 10% in 2021, accordion to a report by energy and climate think tank Ember.

Overall, the share of clean electricity sources which include renewables and nuclear reached a record high of 39%.

Per sector, solar generation remained the fastest-growing electricity source for 18 years straight as it posted a 24% increase.

Wind power, meanwhile, grew by 17%.

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Due to this, the carbon intensity of global electricity generation declined to a record-low 436 grams of carbon dioxide per kilowatt-hour in 2022.

“As soon as 2023, wind and solar could push the world into a new era of falling fossil generation, and therefore of falling power sector emissions,” according to Ember.

Over 60 countries now generate over 10% of their electricity from wind and solar.

On the other hand, other clean electricity sources declined for the first time since 2011 because of the drop in nuclear output and fewer nuclear and hydro plants starting operations, Ember said.