ARKANSAS, Oct 5 (Future Headlines)- Despite the growing adoption of wind and solar power in the global energy landscape, the energy sector’s carbon emissions remained stagnant in the first half of 2023. This surprising lack of progress can be attributed to adverse hydrological conditions and droughts that severely impacted hydroelectric generation. These findings come from a report by climate think tank Ember, shedding light on the challenges of transitioning to a greener energy mix.

Carbon emissions in the global power sector increased by a mere 0.2% during the first half of 2023. This increase is notable given the concurrent rise in wind and solar power’s contribution to the global electricity supply, which reached 14.3% during the same period, marking a 1.5% growth compared to the first half of 2022.

Droughts and unfavorable hydro conditions significantly impacted hydropower generation. Globally, hydropower output declined by approximately 177 terawatt-hours (TWh). China bore the brunt of this decline, accounting for nearly 75% of the reduction in hydropower generation. This decline in hydropower generation had a significant effect on emissions, as it prevented a potential 2.9% reduction in carbon emissions.

To compensate for the decreased hydropower generation, some regions turned to fossil fuel production. Both coal and natural gas saw increases in power generation, with an 8% rise in coal usage in China and an 8.1% increase in natural gas usage in the United States.

The modest growth in carbon emissions was partially curtailed by low electricity demand growth. The total growth rate in electricity demand was only 0.4%, well below the 10-year historic average of 2.6% annual growth. Lower demand growth meant fewer emissions from fossil fuel-based power generation.

The expansion of solar power played a crucial role in mitigating carbon emissions. Solar energy capacity added 104 TWh to the global energy mix, setting monthly records in 50 countries. The growth in solar power supply helped offset emissions increases from other sources.

Despite the overall increase in renewable energy adoption, both wind and solar power supply growth lagged behind 2022 levels. Solar energy output decreased by 28 TWh, while wind energy output saw a decline of 38 TWh. These declines raise concerns about the growth trajectory of these renewable sources.

A recent report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) emphasized the need for rapid expansion in renewable energy. To achieve global warming mitigation goals, renewables should triple their capacity by the end of the decade. The report’s findings underscore the urgency of transitioning to cleaner energy sources.

Ember’s report highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of the global energy transition. While the adoption of wind and solar power is a promising step towards reducing carbon emissions, the adverse impact of droughts on hydropower generation serves as a stark reminder of the environmental challenges that must be addressed. As the world strives to limit global warming and transition to sustainable energy sources, a holistic approach that considers multiple renewable technologies and strategies to combat environmental hurdles is essential. The report’s findings emphasize the urgency of accelerating renewable growth to meet climate targets and mitigate the impacts of unpredictable environmental factors.

Reporting by Emad Martin