A global membership body for professionals working across the energy sector, The Energy Institute, with Kearney and KPMG, has released the 74th Statistical Review of World Energy covering 2024. Global CO₂ emissions from energy rose 1%, setting a fourth consecutive record. Wind and solar power grew 16%—nine times faster than total demand—but failed to curb fossil fuel use, which rose just over 1%. Fossil fuels meet 60% demand growth. All major energy sources, including hydro and nuclear, hit record consumption levels. OECD oil demand stayed flat; non-OECD use rose 1%, while China’s fell 1.2%. India’s coal use rose 4%, matching five regional totals combined. Global gas demand rebounded by 2.5%. Electrification has accelerated, particularly in developing regions, while geopolitical tensions and uneven progress have affected the pace of transition. China’s energy choices remain a key influence on global trends.
Fossil use climbed in 2024 despite 16% growth in renewables
Global energy CO₂ emissions rose again in 2024 as fossil fuel use increased despite a 16% jump in solar and wind, according to Kearney, KPMG, and Energy Institute.
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