Brazil has emerged as the leader among G20 nations in terms of clean electricity share, generating 89% of its power from clean sources in 2022, according to a report by energy think-tank Ember.
The country's clean energy mix includes 63% hydro, 12% wind power, and 3% solar power. In comparison, fossil fuels accounted for 11% of Brazil's electricity generation, predominantly from gas. India, the current G20 host, lags behind in decarbonizing its electricity system but has made progress with 9% of its electricity coming from solar and wind.
Although wind and solar power have made significant inroads in replacing coal in G20 countries since the Paris Agreement, the transition is not happening at the required pace for a 1.5C-aligned pathway. The combined share of wind and solar electricity reached 13% in 2022, up from 5% in 2015. Coal power in the G20 decreased from 43% in 2015 to 39% in 2022, driven by the doubling of wind power and the quadrupling of solar power shares. However, more than half of the G20 countries still heavily rely on fossil fuels, with some like Saudi Arabia almost entirely dependent on oil and gas for electricity.
Leading the way in wind power adoption among advanced economies are Germany, the UK, and Australia, while Australia and Japan lead in solar power adoption. Although progress has been made in reducing coal generation in these countries, the absolute generation of coal power has increased in response to rising demand. To achieve significant emissions cuts and limit global heating to 1.5 degrees, the rapid replacement of coal power with wind and solar is crucial, given their ability to cut emissions, lower electricity costs, and reduce pollution.
Source: newsroomodisha.com