59% of global electricity is generated from Fossil

Fossil energy, derived from the remains of ancient plants and animals, is a predominant source of electricity generation worldwide. This energy source is primarily comprised of coal, natural gas, and oil. Despite the growing interest in cleaner energy alternatives, fossil fuels play a central role in powering the world, providing more than half of all globally consumed electricity. These resources have historically been valued for their ability to produce large amounts of energy, ensuring a stable and consistent power supply for cities, industries, and households.

Electricity generation from fossil fuels typically involves burning coal, oil, or natural gas to produce heat. This heat is used to convert water into steam, which then turns turbines connected to electricity generators. Despite system variations, the principle remains consistent: thermal energy transforms mechanical energy into electrical energy. This process, while effective in generating power, is inherently carbon intensive. For instance, burning coal yields an average of 820 gCO2eq per kilowatt-hour, while natural gas produces around 490 gCO2eq/kWh. This carbon intensity highlights the need for cleaner alternatives to support sustainable energy development.

One of the distinct advantages of low-carbon energy sources such as wind, nuclear, and solar is their significantly lower carbon intensity. In contrast to fossil fuels, wind energy emits roughly 11 gCO2eq per kilowatt-hour, solar emits 45 gCO2eq/kWh, and nuclear emits a mere 12 gCO2eq/kWh. These numbers reflect the substantial environmental benefits of incorporating more low-carbon energy into our electricity grids, offering a path to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. These energy sources help pave the way towards a more sustainable and green future, highlighting the importance of their expansion globally.

Another driving factor for the transition towards low-carbon sources is the widespread reliance on fossil fuels, which poses challenges for achieving global sustainability goals. For instance, many regions across the globe, including Wyoming, North Dakota, West Virginia, Bahrain, and Mississippi, depend heavily on fossil fuels for their electricity, with percentages ranging from 60% to 100%. As clean energy technologies mature, their competitive advantage becomes more significant, opening opportunities for integration into existing infrastructures to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and their associated carbon emissions.

The importance of clean energy cannot be overstated in the effort to meet future electricity demands. Advancements in nuclear and solar technologies emerge as vital solutions in this context. These energy sources not only contribute to a cleaner environment but also bring about economic and strategic benefits by reducing dependency on finite resources and enhancing energy security. As the world pivots towards increased electricity generation to support burgeoning technological needs and digital advancements such as AI, an expansion of low-carbon energy becomes an imperative mission to ensure a sustainable and resilient power future.