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Global Energy Trends in 2023: Wind and Solar Lead as Coal and Oil Use Rise

Wind and solar energy sources took the lead in adding new energy to the global mix in 2023, while coal and oil consumption reached record levels, resulting in a surge in global CO2 emissions. Developments in nuclear and hydrogen energy showcase efforts to diversify energy sources and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Global Energy Trends in 2023 and the Role of Wind and Solar

In 2023, wind and solar energy sources collectively added more new energy to the global mix than any other sources for the first time in history, according to Carbon Brief’s analysis of data from the Energy Institute Statistical Review of World Energy 2024. Despite this milestone, the world saw record levels of coal and oil use, leading to an increase in global CO2 emissions.

Key data from the report include the following:

  • Global energy demand reached a historical high of 620 exajoules (EJ), with annual growth of 2.0%.
  • Wind and solar energy added 4.9EJ, accounting for 40% of the overall energy increase, while oil added 4.8EJ (39%) and coal added 2.5EJ (20%).
  • Global coal use grew by 1.6% year-on-year to 164EJ, and oil use increased by 2.5% to 196EJ.
  • Fossil fuels met around 81.5% of global primary energy demand in 2023.

A significant rise in coal and oil usage drove global carbon dioxide emissions to a record high in 2023 at over 40 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

Developments in Nuclear and Hydrogen Energy

In Kemmerer, Wyoming, Bechtel is developing the Natrium Demonstration Project under the US Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program. This project aims to address traditional nuclear power challenges, such as radioactive waste management and high costs, while delivering carbon-free energy through advanced nuclear reactor technology. Features include a fast reactor design and fuel recycling.

Additionally, ExxonMobil has partnered with Japan’s JERA to build a low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia synthesis plant in Baytown, Texas. The project aims to produce 900,000 tonnes of low-carbon hydrogen annually, starting in 2028. A fraction of this hydrogen will be used to produce 1,000,000 tonnes of low-carbon ammonia, targeting significant reductions in carbon emissions.

These initiatives reflect a global effort to diversify energy sources and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, while advancing low-carbon technologies and international cooperation in the energy sector.

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