Electricity from renewables, through the climate lens
The production of electricity is single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, in 2021 the total carbon emissions from the production of electricity (along with heat producers) accounted for 44% of total emissions from the energy sector. This is primarily due to dependence on fossils sources for electricity production.
Globally, to reduce the emission footprint of the production of electricity ( and possible turn it into zero ), we will need to look for alternative non-fossil sources of electricity.
Enter, electricity from renewables !
Renewable energy sources produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions during production and operation, significantly reducing the overall human induced carbon-emission footprint and help to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
It also offer other major benefits, that include,
- fewer production of air pollutants by-products, leading to better air quality and reduced health problems associated with air pollution
- reduced dependence on imported fossil fuels (especially for countries with lower reserve/production), thereby ensuring national energy security and stability. When localized renewable energy sources are abundant and inexhaustible, they ensure a sustainable supply of energy for the future without depleting natural resources.
Electricity from renewables, total global generation
In 2021, the total electricity generated from renewables globally was 8,141,217 GWh.
It accounted for 29% of the total electricity generated.
Production of electricity from renewables have grown significantly over the last few years, especially in the context of on-going climate-action in order to reduce the energy sector’s large emission footprint, while still meeting the growing demand of energy as economic activity progresses.
In fact, since 1990 electricity generation from renewables has grown by 245% alone.
This is an increase of 5,778,757 GWh from 1990 to 2021.
Solar and Wind Power has seen exponential growth (and the largest growth) during this period.
The % share of electricity generated from renewables in total global electricity generation mix has grown from 20% in 1990 to 29% in 2021.
There are several renewable sources from which we now have come to produce electricity.
Each with its unique power source is in a different stage of technology development and adaptation globally. These are :
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Hydropower: Electricity generated from the flow of water in rivers and dams.
In 2021, hydropower made up 15% of global electricity produced, and 54% of global renewable electricity produced.
It currently generates more electricity than all other renewable technologies combined & is expected to remain the world’s largest source of renewable electricity generation into the 2030s .
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Wind Power: Electricity produced by wind turbines.
In 2021, wind made up 7% of global electricity produced, and 23% of global renewable electricity produced.
It is the leading non-hydro renewable technology.
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Solar Power: Electricity generated from sunlight using photovoltaic cells.
In 2021, solar made up 4% of global electricity produced, and 13% of global renewable electricity produced.
It makes up the fastest growing renewable electricity source.
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Biomass: Electricity generated from organic materials such as plant and animal waste.
In 2021, biomass made up 2% of global electricity produced, and 8% of global renewable electricity produced.
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Geothermal Energy: Electricity produced from the heat stored beneath the earth's surface.
In 2021, geothermal made up less than 1% of global electricity produced, and 1% of global renewable electricity produced.
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Tidal/Wave Energy: This includes less common methods like tidal and wave energy, which harness the power of ocean movements to generate electricity.
In 2021, tidal/wave made up less than 1% of global electricity produced, and 1% of global renewable electricity produced.
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India - electricity from renewables, total generation
In 2021, the total electricity generated from renewables in India was 352,118 GWh. It accounted for 22% of the total electricity generated in the country.
In fact, production of electricity from renewables have grown significantly over the years in India, as well - in sync with the global trend.
For context, since 1990 electricity generation from renewables in India has grown by 391% alone.
This is an increase of 280,431 GWh from 1990 to 2021.
Solar and Wind Power has seen exponential growth (and the largest growth) during this period.
However, it must be noted that while electricity generated from renewables have increased over the years, its % share in electricity generated has decreased from 25% in 1990 to 22% in 2021. Meaning the growth in renewable electricity has not been able to keep up with the growth of electricity demand, still met largely by fossils.
India - electricity from renewables, type & % share
The main renewable sources of electricity generation in India are:
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Hydropower: In 2021, hydropower made up 10% of the electricity produced, and 46% of the national renewable electricity produced.
It is the largest source of renewable electricity in India.
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Wind Power: In 2021, wind made up 5% of the electricity produced, and 22% of the national renewable electricity produced.
It is the leading non-hydro renewable technology in India.
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Solar Power: In 2021, solar made up 5% of the electricity produced, and 21% of the national renewable electricity produced.
It makes up the fastest growing renewable electricity source in India.
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Biomass: In 2021, biomass made up 2% of the electricity produced, and 10% of the national renewable electricity produced in India.
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