Half of the world has passed peak fossil power

Half of the world's economies are at least five years past a peak in fossil power generation, with 107 economies representing 38% of global electricity demand having seen emissions fall by nearly 20% over the last decade. While the EU, Oceania, and North America are in a period of decline, Asia and the Middle East are the only regions yet to reach a peak, though individual countries like Viet Nam and Japan show progress. The report emphasizes that the expansion of wind and solar is the primary driver of fossil fuel displacement, noting that without these technologies, power sector emissions would be 20% higher.

• 107 economies, representing 38% of global electricity demand, have been past a peak in electricity generation from fossil fuels for at least five years, with emissions in these sectors decreasing by nearly 20% over the last ten years.
• Of the 107 economies that peaked at least five years ago, 78 displaced fossil fuels through clean energy expansion, and 45 did so while overall electricity demand and generation increased.
• Regional trends show significant fossil power declines in the EU (over 30% in 15 years), Oceania (20% in 13 years), and North America (15% in 15 years), while Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean have seen generation plateau.
• Asia and the Middle East are the only regions that have not yet reached a peak in fossil power, although specific countries like Viet Nam (16% reduction in three years) and Japan (over 20% drop since its peak) have seen declines.
• The growth of wind and solar power has been the primary driver in limiting fossil fuel growth; without these sources, current power sector emissions would be 20% higher.

APA

Ember (2023). Half of the world has passed peak fossil power. https://ember-energy.org/latest-insights/half-of-the-world-has-passed-peak-fossil-power

Chicago

Ember. Half of the world has passed peak fossil power. 2023. https://ember-energy.org/latest-insights/half-of-the-world-has-passed-peak-fossil-power.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Ember |title=Half of the world has passed peak fossil power |date=20 October 2023 |url=https://ember-energy.org/latest-insights/half-of-the-world-has-passed-peak-fossil-power |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{ember2023half, author = {{Ember}}, title = {{Half of the world has passed peak fossil power}}, institution = {Ember}, year = {2023}, month = oct, url = {https://ember-energy.org/latest-insights/half-of-the-world-has-passed-peak-fossil-power}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }