90% Of New Renewable Energy Capacity Costs Less Than Fossil Fuels

Read more at EuroNews

Here is a summary of the article:

  • “Positive Tipping Point”: Two UN reports declare that the global switch to renewable energy has passed a “positive tipping point,” with solar and wind now almost always the cheapest and fastest options for new energy generation.
  • Record Growth in 2024: Global renewable energy capacity additions reached 582 gigawatts in 2024, a nearly 20% increase from 2023 and the highest annual expansion on record.
  • Renewables Dominate New Capacity: Almost all new power capacity built worldwide came from renewables in 2024, and nearly every continent added more renewables capacity than fossil fuels.
  • Economic Advantage: Over 90% of new renewables globally produced electricity for less than the cheapest fossil fuel alternative, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Solar is now 41% cheaper than fossil fuels, and offshore wind is 53% cheaper.
  • Investment Shift: Around $2 trillion was invested in clean energy last year, $800 billion more than in fossil fuels, marking over a 70% increase in 10 years.
  • Decoupling Emissions and Growth: In many advanced economies, emissions have peaked while economic growth continues, with clean energy sectors driving significant GDP growth (10% globally, 33% in Europe in 2023).
  • Challenges and Risks:
    • Rising geopolitical tensions, trade tariffs, and material supply constraints threaten to slow momentum and increase costs.
    • Europe faces specific challenges like permit delays and limited grid capacity.
    • Fossil fuels still receive almost nine times more government consumption subsidies than renewables.
  • Call for Action: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urges countries to stop clinging to fossil fuels, stating it sabotages their economies. IRENA’s Director-General emphasizes reinforcing international cooperation, securing resilient supply chains, and creating stable policy frameworks, especially in the Global South, to ensure a swift and fair transition.

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