The rise in energy demand since the 1970s has been largely met by fossil fuels. However, growing environmental concerns and the need for cleaner alternatives have driven a shift toward renewables. Coal’s share in global electricity generation has declined, falling from 38% in 2017 to 35.1% in 2023. Meanwhile, industries continue to be significant energy consumers, accounting for 42.2% of global electricity usage in 2022.
(Source: Powerlines Seattle)
Renewable updates of power generation in 2023
In 2023, the European Union made remarkable strides in adopting green energy. The region reduced its fossil fuel use by 19%, bringing it to a historic low—less than one-third of total electricity generation. Wind and solar energy led the way, contributing 27% to the energy mix. This shift helped renewables surpass 44% of total electricity generation for the first time.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that 507 GW of renewable electricity capacity was added in 2023, with solar PV making up three-quarters of the total. Solar PV remains the primary driver of renewable energy expansion, contributing two-thirds of the global increase. Looking ahead, solar PV manufacturing capacity is projected to more than double by 2024.
Data from the National Energy Administration shows that in 2023, China’s installed renewable energy capacity surpassed 1.45 billion kilowatts, making up over 50% of the nation’s total power generation capacity.
Future outlook in renewable energy projects
The Mexican government has committed over USD 120 billion in investments for electricity infrastructure between 2016 and 2030. This includes substantial funding for transmission and distribution systems, which account for approximately 25% of the total investment. The remaining 75% is allocated for power generation infrastructure. The government plans to add 25,000 kilometres of new transmission lines by 2030.
China’s energy mix will evolve to meet growing demand, with thermal power projected to reach 5,806 TWh by 2030. Renewable energy will increase significantly, with solar expected to surpass wind by 2034, reaching 1,790 TWh by 2030 and 4,810 TWh by 2040. Wind power will hit 2,068 TWh by 2030 and 4,186 TWh by 2040, while hydropower will stabilise around 1,436 TWh. Nuclear power will expand to 569 TWh by 2030 and 792 TWh by 2040, supporting energy security and reducing fossil fuel use.
Similarly, South Korea aims to increase its renewable power generation capacity from 11.3 GW to 58.5 GW by 2030.
A key challenge for new renewable energy projects is the intermittent nature of these sources, as power generation fluctuates with weather conditions.
To Wrap Up
A major challenge facing renewable energy projects is the intermittent nature of power generation, as solar and wind energy depend on weather conditions. As the world transitions toward sustainable energy, aluminium wires and cables play a crucial role in enabling efficient power transmission. With substantial investments in renewable infrastructure and energy-efficient technologies, the demand for aluminium will continue to rise.
(Source: Canary Media)
As we move forward, aluminium’s contribution to enhancing power generation and distribution systems will be pivotal in meeting future energy needs while addressing environmental challenges.
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