A common opinion among those who oppose renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power is that they are unreliable because they generate electricity only when the sun is shining and the wind is blowing.
It’s a bitter complaint. I’ve been reporting on energy issues for years, and I remember one utility executive in Florida denying solar power. Because despite having the official nickname of “The State of the Sun”, the place is sometimes cloudy.
But here’s the good news. According to data from the International Renewable Energy Agency, these views have not impeded the steady growth of renewable energy.
Renewable energy is now far ahead in new capacity.
A new report from the agency that helps governments move away from fossil fuels shows that renewable energy is dominating new electricity production around the world. And solar power is leading the way despite criticism.
According to the agency’s report, by 2021, renewable energy will account for 81% of new power capacity (all new plants and other infrastructure that generate electricity). This compares to 79% in 2020. In the same two years, renewable energy increased from just under 37% to more than 38% of total capacity (including all infrastructure, old and new).
But: Most real power still comes from fossil fuels.
Overall, fossil fuels continue to account for the majority of the electricity we use. Also, new carbon-emitting plants are being added in locations such as Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Reducing fossil fuel use and developing more renewable energy in Africa is expected to be a major focus at COP27, the global climate summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt next month.
Reason for optimism?
We spoke with Doug Vine, Director of Energy Analysis at the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, a group focused on accelerating the global transition to net zero greenhouse gas emissions, about the report. He said he was cautiously encouraged.
“It’s true that we’re seeing a decline in new coal and natural gas, but we still have a lot of existing coal and natural gas plants,” says Vine. He noted that in some countries such as India and China, more than 70% of the mixture is still fossil fuels. “The system needs to be structurally changed or abolished.”
One of the attractions of coal-fired and natural gas power plants is their ability to supply power on demand, regardless of weather or time of day. Moreover, in the past they were one of the most affordable sources of power.
Resolve reliability issues.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine demonstrated the economic instability of fuels such as natural gas, which were already losing a price war to solar and wind power.
A Florida utility executive who spoke negatively of solar power ten years ago told me privately at the time that the “holy grail” of electricity was cheap, long-lasting storage — virtually anyone in the energy sector. A statement that everyone would probably still agree with. Better battery technology will enable more solar and wind power growth, ultimately solving what is considered a reliability issue.
Solar power is already leading renewable energy growth, with more than half of the new capacity amounting to about 133 GW, out of a total of 257 GW of renewable energy added in 2021. Hydropower provides the largest share of renewable power capacity, but contributes just over 7% of new renewable energy generation to him.
Still, Vain says renewable energy growth will need to continue accelerating at three to four times its current annual pace by 2030 to meet global climate goals. Last month, the Solar Energy Industries Association said solar power is poised to do its part. Solar installations will nearly triple by 2027 to 336 gigawatts from the current 129 gigawatts, according to the association.
At the same time, renewables face strong headwinds related to global supply chain shortages brought about by Covid-19, regulatory hurdles, and construction delays related to long delays in obtaining permits. increase.
And some of the gains from renewable energy are being offset by the decommissioning of nuclear power plants around the world. Thanks to technology that allows us to produce large amounts of electricity around the clock, the amount of electricity generated is greatly reduced.
“There are a lot of challenges,” says Vine. “One of the things we have to see is the world going back to normal.”
Register for our next live streaming event
Join world leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, for the three-day climate event online from November 8-10. His COP27 climate conference in Sharm El Sheikh will be broadcast live from Egypt. Click here to register for free.
Your feedback: Beware of bears.
In response to the composting newsletter, Sibylle Hechtel of Boulder, Colorado wrote:
I enjoyed your article about composting. But you mention rats and raccoons, but in the West (Colorado, California, etc.) there’s another animal problem: bears! If so, you need a bear-proof compost bin. Bear-proof trash cans are also needed in bear-prone areas. I have bears that traverse my backyard regularly, so I’m very careful about what I put in my compost.
accurate advice. If you live in bear country, keep your compost bins sealed. Also, watch out for luggage on the front porch. So are bears.
Important news from The Times
Gas prices and your mood: Fuel costs affect how Americans think about their own situation, the wider economy, and even the state of the nation.
Another nasty museum protest: A climate change activist smuggled mashed potatoes into a German museum and threw it at the glass protecting a Monet painting.
Biodiversity crisis: Emperor penguins are listed as endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act due to shrinking sea ice habitat.
Who blew up the pipeline? Denmark, Germany and Sweden are all investigating sabotage of Baltic gas lines.
How to protect your home: Tips for homeowners and renters to help mitigate damage from increasingly severe weather events.
out of the times
Before You Go: When Life Is Built Around Snow
In the Pacific Northwest, the glaciers and winter snow of two giant dormant volcanoes have fed rivers for generations. Seasonal equilibria have shaped businesses, communities and cultures. But snow’s credibility has been shattered by climate change. Some residents see days of despair ahead. Some say local traditions of persistence and adaptation will find a way.
Thank you for being a subscriber. I will be back on Friday.
Manuela Andreoni, Claire O’Neill and Douglas Alteen contributed to Climate Forward. View past newsletters here.
If you enjoy what you are reading, please consider recommending it to others. They can sign up here. View all subscriber-only newsletters here.
Please contact us at climateforward@nytimes.com. We read all messages and reply to many!