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Renewable Energy Boom Fails to Curb Fossil Use

Syllabus:

GS Paper – 2

Renewable Energy

GS Paper – 3

Government Policies & Interventions

WHY IN THE NEWS ?

The world added a record 582 GW of renewable energy capacity in 2024, yet fossil fuel consumption continues to rise, keeping greenhouse gas emissions at record levels. A recent IRENA report shows that while renewable energy has grown significantly, it hasn’t displaced fossil fuels in the global energy mix.

Stagnant Progress in Energy Transition

●      Renewables account for only 30% of global electricity generation.

●      Electricity itself is just 20-22% of global energy use, limiting renewables’ overall impact.

●      Despite growth, more fossil fuels are burned today than a decade ago.

●      Greenhouse gas emissions have reached record highs in recent years.

●      The current energy system remains deeply fossil fuel-dependent.

 Uneven Global Distribution of Renewables

●      71% of new renewable capacity in 2024 came from Asia, 62% from China alone.

●      Africa added only 7% capacity, from an already low base.

●      China dominates manufacturing, causing dependency on its supply chains.

●      Many regions lack access to affordable renewable technology.

●      Growth is concentrated in a few countries, leaving others behind.

 Fossil Fuel Use Still Rising

●      Fossil fuels continue to meet rising electricity demand globally.

●      Even with more renewables, fossil fuel usage is increasing in absolute terms.

●      Only 10% of new capacity in 2024 was fossil-based, but its use remains high.

●      Effective transition is most urgent in major emitting nations like China and India.

●      Fossil fuels still provide over 90% of global energy consumption.

 Technological and Policy Hurdles

●      Carbon removal technologies are not yet viable or scalable.

●      China’s near monopoly on renewable tech resembles OPEC’s past grip on oil.

●      Other countries can’t compete with China’s subsidies and scale.

●      Global manufacturing is struggling outside of China.

●      Policy incentives are insufficient to encourage rapid global transition.

 The Broader Challenge of Clean Energy Shift

●      Electricity generation has tripled since 1990, driven by growing demand.

●      Despite progress, renewables haven’t replaced fossil fuels effectively.

●      By 2050, even optimistic projections show only 40–45% clean energy share.

●      Some Nordic countries excel, but their models are not easily replicable.

●      Energy security concerns are pushing countries to prioritize reliability over cleanliness.
aging, it hasn’t led to a decline in fossil fuel use. Energy transition alone is insufficient to tackle climate change. Without technological innovation, equitable distribution, and stronger policies, the global goal of keeping temperatures below 2°C will likely remain out of reach.

Source : IE

Mains Practice Question :
 

Despite record growth in renewable energy capacity, fossil fuel dependence remains strong globally. Examine the reasons behind this paradox and suggest comprehensive strategies that can enable an effective and equitable transition toward sustainable energy. Highlight India’s position in this global energy shift.