Fossil fuels still main component of energy, despite growth in clean energy

LONDON – A new report released Monday shows that fossil fuels still accounted for 82% of global energy consumption in 2022.

While renewable energy consumption has increased by 13%, fossil fuels are still the main component of energy supply.

The report, published by the Energy Institute, noted that despite increase in consumption of clean energy, global emissions from the energy sector had increased by 0.8% last year.

Energy Institute President Juliet Davenport said the data shows that the rise in global emissions is a cause for concern.

She said this shows we are moving in the opposite direction to commitments made in the Paris Agreement on climate change.

“Despite further strong growth in wind and solar in the power sector, overall global energy-related greenhouse gas emissions increased again,” said Davenport. 

“We are still heading in the opposite direction to that required by the Paris Agreement,” she added. 

The report also shows that oil consumption increased in 2022 and that global coal consumption also went to its highest level since 2014.

But there are bright spots, such as the largest increase ever in new wind and solar capacity.

“Together they reached a record 12% share of power generation,” the analysis found.

Activists say the data is a clear call for governments to push more urgently for the energy transition.

Climate scientist Bill McGuire said the growth in renewables is being overtaken by the growth in fossil fuel consumption.

The report’s findings come as world leaders prepare for the COP27 climate summit in Egypt.

The summit is seen as a crucial opportunity for countries to accelerate efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.